Influence of modification of gravity on the complexity factor of static spherical structures

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper is to generalize the definition of complexity for the static self-gravitating structure in f (R, T, Q) gravitational theory, where R is the Ricci scalar, T is the trace part of energy–momentum tensor, and Q ≡ RαβT αβ. In this context, we have considered locally anisotropic spherical matter distribution and calculated field equations and conservation laws. After the orthogonal splitting of the Riemann curvature tensor, we found the corresponding complexity factor with the help of structure scalars. It is seen that the system may have zero complexity factor if the effects of energy density inhomogeneity and pressure anisotropy cancel the effects of each other. All of our results reduce to general relativity on assuming f (R, T, Q) = R condition.