Bayesian analysis of the bulk-viscous cosmological model in f(Q, Lm) gravity framework with Pantheon+SH0ES and DESI data

In the present work, we investigate a bulk-viscous cosmological model in the framework of f ( Q, L m ) gravity, where the non-metricity scalar ( Q ) is non-minimally coupled to the matter Lagrangian L m . The free parameters of the model are constrained through Bayesian statistical analysis using Cosmic Chronometers (CC), Pantheon+SH0ES Type Ia supernovae, and DESI baryon acoustic oscillation datasets, both individually and jointly. The reconstructed Hubble evolution exhibits good agreement with observational data and provides insights into the ongoing Hubble tension. Furthermore, the cosmological dynamics are examined through the evolution of the effective equation of state parameter, deceleration parameter, and energy conditions. Overall, the proposed bulk-viscosity model in the f ( Q, L m ) framework offers a viable modified-gravity scenario that successfully accounts for the late-time evolution of the Universe and sheds light on the Hubble tension.