Universe collapse theory
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Universe Collapse Theory: Mechanisms and Models
Negative Vacuum Energy and Universe Collapse
Several theoretical models suggest that the universe could eventually stop expanding and collapse. One prominent idea involves the sequestration of vacuum energy, where a scalar field with a linear, negative potential provides the negative energy density needed to end cosmic expansion. This mechanism predicts that the universe will collapse after a period of accelerated expansion, with the timing set to match the current age of the universe. The process is technically natural due to a shift symmetry in the scalar field, and the collapse is preceded by an epoch of acceleration similar to what we observe today .
Dark Energy Turning Negative
Another line of research shows that in many cosmological models, including those based on supergravity, dark energy does not remain constant or positive. Instead, it can eventually become negative, which would trigger the collapse of the universe within a timescale comparable to its current age (about 10 to 100 billion years). This outcome is not limited to supergravity models but appears in various scenarios describing the current accelerated expansion. These models have features that could be tested by future cosmological observations .
Scalar Fields and Contracting Universes
The concept of a collapsing universe is also central to ekpyrotic and cyclic models, which propose that the universe undergoes cycles of expansion and contraction. In these models, a negative multi-exponential potential for scalar fields leads to a contracting phase and ultimately a "big crunch." Recent work provides analytic bounds on the equation of state for such scenarios, setting constraints on how these models can be realized, especially within string theory frameworks .
Observational Interpretations and Alternative Views
Some researchers have challenged the standard interpretation of cosmic redshift, suggesting that when changes in atomic emissions are considered, the data could imply a collapsing rather than an expanding universe. This alternative view argues that modern observations may support a collapsing Friedmann universe, though this interpretation is not widely accepted in mainstream cosmology .
Gravitational Collapse and Structure Formation
On smaller scales, the collapse of matter in the universe—such as the formation of galaxies and black holes—has been studied through simulations and theoretical models. These studies show that gravitational collapse can lead to clumpy structures resembling elliptical galaxies and can emit strong gravitational waves, especially during violent relaxation phases in the early universe. The details of these processes depend on the initial conditions and the presence or absence of pressure in the cosmic medium 278.
Quantum Collapse Theories and Cosmology
Quantum collapse models, such as Continuous Spontaneous Localization (CSL), have been explored to address foundational issues in cosmology, including the emergence of structure and the special initial state of the universe. These models can be made compatible with relativistic frameworks and may offer new ways to understand the universe's evolution, including scenarios where collapse dynamics play a role in cosmic history 3510.
Conclusion
The universe collapse theory is supported by a range of models that predict a future contraction, often triggered by negative vacuum energy or dark energy. These ideas are explored in both classical and quantum frameworks, with implications for the fate of the universe and the formation of cosmic structures. While some alternative interpretations exist, the mainstream view is that the universe's fate depends on the long-term behavior of dark energy and the underlying physics of scalar fields and vacuum energy. Ongoing observations and theoretical developments will continue to test these predictions.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic