Torsional dark energy in quadratic gauge gravity

Abstract The covariant canonical gauge theory of gravity (CCGG) is a field formulation which priori includes non-metricity and torsion. It extends the Lagrangian Einstein’s general relativity by terms at least quadratic in Riemann–Cartan tensor. This paper investigates implications metric compatible CCGG on cosmological scales. For totally anti-symmetric torsion tensor we derive resulting equations motion Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) Universe. In limit vanishing term, arising modifications Friedmann are shown to be equivalent spatial curvature. Furthermore, modified investigated detail early late times Universe’s history. demonstrated that addition standard $$\Lambda $$ Λ CDM behaviour scale factor, there exist novel time dependencies, emerging due presence term. Finally, times, present how accelerated expansion Universe can understood as geometric effect spacetime through torsion, rendering introduction constant redundant. such scenario it possible compute an expected value for parameters postulated gravitational Hamiltonian/Lagrangian provide lower bound vacuum energy matter.