Constraints on Non-Singular Cosmological Models with Quadratic Lagrangians

We consider the generalized set of theories of gravitation whose Lagrangians contain the term $R^2$ : $L=\sqrt{-g}(R+\beta R^2)$. Inserting the RW metric with an imposed non-singular and inflationary behaviour of the scale factor $a(t)$, and using a arbitrary perfect fluid, we study the properties of $\rho$ and $p$ in this context. By requiring the positivity of the energy density, as well as real and finite velocity of sound, we can obtain the range of values of $\beta$ that ensure the inflationary behaviour and absence of singularity.