The fitting problem in a lattice universe

Abstract

We present a regular cubic lattice solution toEinstein field equations that is exact at second order in a small parameter.We showthat this solution is kinematically equivalent to the Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) solution with the same averaged energy density. This allows us to discuss the fitting problem in that framework: are observables along the past lightcone of observers equivalent to those in the analogue FLRW model obtained by smoothing spatially the distribution of matter? We find a criterion on the compacity of the objects that must be satisfied in order for the answer to this question to be positive and given by perturbative arguments. If this criterion is not met, the answer to this question must be addressed fully non perturbatively along the past lightcone, even though the spacetime geometry can be described perturbatively.