Dynamics of M-theory cosmology - art. no. 043504

A complete global analysis of spatially flat, four-dimensional cosmologies derived from the type IIA string and M-theory effective actions is presente d. A non-trivial Ramond-Ramond sector is included. The governing equations are written as a dynamical system. Asymptotically, the form fields are dyna mically negligible, but play a crucial role in determining the possible int ermediate behavior of the solutions (i.e., the nature of the equilibrium po ints). The only past-attracting solution (source in the system) may be inte rpreted in the eleven-dimensional setting in terms of Aat space. This sourc e is unstable to the introduction of spatial curvature.