Qualitative analysis of string cosmology with loop corrections. I

Homogeneous and isotropic cosmological models of low-energy, string gravitation with loop corrections to the dilaton coupling functions are investigated by methods of the qualitative theory of dynamical systems. An ideal fluid with a barotropic equation of state is considered as the nongravitational source. In the general case of curved models, the cosmological equations are represented in the form of a third-order, autonomous, dynamical system. Phase portraits for different coupling functions are constructed for flat models. The asymptotic behavior of the general solution in limiting regions is investigated. The stabilization of the dilaton is analyzed using the Damour-Polyakov mechanism. © 1999 Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers.