We consider a class of spatially inhomogeneous cosmological models in which the fluid flow is tangential to the orbits of a three-parameter similarity group. The temporal evolution of the models is determined by the similarity group, and the Einstein field equations reduce to a plane autonomous system of ordinary differential equations which determines the spatial structure of the models. The properties of the models are analysed using the qualitative theory of plane autonomous systems. The models are of four distinct types, depending on their behaviour at large spatial distance. The matter-dominated models are either spatially periodic or asymptotically spatially homogeneous, and the vacuumdominated models are either asymptotically spatially homogeneous or acceleration dominated.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.