Dark energy of phantom or quintessence nature with an equation of state parameter $w$ almost equal to $-1$ often leads the universe evolution to a finite-time future singularity. An elegant solution to this problem has been recently proposed [P. H. Frampton, K. J. Ludwick, and R. J. Scherrer, Phys. Rev. D 84, 063003 (2011).] under the form of the so-called little rip cosmology, which appears to be a realistic alternative to the $\Lambda \mathrm{CDM}$ model. A viscous little rip cosmology is here proposed. Whereas generically bulk viscosity tends to promote the big rip, we find that there are a number of situations where this is not the case and where the formalism nicely adjusts itself to the little rip scenario. We prove, in particular, that a viscous fluid (or, equivalently, one with an inhomogeneous [imperfect] equation of state) is perfectly able to produce a little rip cosmology as a purely viscosity effect. The possibility of its induction as a combined result of viscosity and a general (powerlike) equation of state is also investigated in detail. To finish, a physical, inertial force interpretation of the dissolution of bound structures in the little rip cosmology is presented.

• Received 7 September 2011

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.84.103508