Global cosmic string networks as a function of tension

Abstract

We investigate the properties of global cosmic string networks as a function of the ratio of string tension to Goldstone-field coupling, and as a function of the Hubble damping strength. Our results show unambiguously that the string density is sensitive to this ratio. We also find that existing semi-analytical (one-scale) models must be missing some important aspect of the network dynamics. Our results point the way towards improving such models.

Comments: 25 pages, 9 figures. Section 3 slightly expanded after comments from readers