Combined constraints on Cardassian models from supernovae, cosmic microwave background and large scale structure observations

We confront Cardassian models with recent observational data. These models can be viewed either as purely phenomenological modifications of the Friedmann equation, or as arising from cosmic fluids with non-standard properties. In the first case, we find that the models are consistent with the data for a wide range of parameters but no significant preference over the Lambda-CDM model is found. In the latter case we find that the fact that the sound speed is non-zero in these models makes them inconsistent with the galaxy power spectrum from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey.