Scaling solutions in general nonminimal coupling theories

A class of generalized nonminimal coupling theories is investigated, in search of scaling attractors able to provide an accelerated expansion at the present time. Solutions are found in the strong coupling regime and when the coupling function and the potential verify a simple relation. In such cases, which include power law and exponential functions, the dynamics is independent of the exact form of the coupling and the potential. The constraint from the time variability of G, however, limits the fraction of energy in the scalar field to less than 4% of the total energy density, and excludes accelerated solutions at the present. [S0556-2821(99)01414-9].