  In this paper, dark energy is modelled via a spherically symmetric
quintessence scalar field $\varphi$, the dynamics of which are found to be
analogous to a pendulum. This is due to a driving axion potential
$V(\left|\varphi\right|)$, whose origins reside within the study of quantum
chromodynamics (QCD). The effect of a cosmological constant $\Lambda$,
introduced to represent the vacuum energy of space, is also investigated.
Preliminary results suggest that $\Lambda$ is analogous to a spring-constant,
and thus determining the elasticity of space. Additionally, a cosmological
scale-factor $a(t,r)$, notably with an added spatial dependence, is also
considered. We propose that due to this inhomogeneous scale-factor, the
energy-density is characteristic of temperature fluctuations observed within
the cosmic microwave background. Such fluctuations could ultimately lead to a
universe composed of filaments and voids; vast expanses of space, separated by
regions of localised matter/energy-density. Finally, we provide a means of
screening both the cosmological constant and curvature of the universe, to
effective values that are more consistent with experimental observation.
