Cosmological singularities and Bel–Robinson energy

We consider the problem of describing the asymptotic behaviour of FRW universes near their spacetime singularities in general relativity. We find that the Bel–Robinson energy of these universes in conjunction with the Hubble expansion rate and the scale factor proves to be an appropriate measure leading to a complete classification of the possible singularities. We show how our scheme covers all known cases of cosmological asymptotics possible in these universes and also predicts new and distinct types of singularities. We further prove that various asymptotic forms met in flat cosmologies continue to hold true in their curved counterparts. These include phantom universes with their recently discovered big rips, sudden singularities as well as others belonging to graduated inflationary models.