GRAVITATION - A NEW THEORY
G1 Version 2.2.3
ABSTRACT This paper presents a new relativistic theory of gravitation as an alternative to that represented in Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. Initially, a new representation of the gravitational space-time continuum, designated the Relativistic Domain D1, is created utilising a system of linear co-ordinates. This Domain is subsequently shown to possess all the gravitational characteristics of the General Theory, and as observed in the Solar System and beyond. A new interpretation of the gravitational phenomenon is thus made, avoiding the problems associated with an induced curvature of the space-time continuum as is required in the General Theory. G1 Version 2.2.3 Ó; P.G.Bass May 20061. Introduction. The General Theory of Relativity, published by Albert Einstein in 1915/16, deals with the kinematics of motion of a free particle mass when under the exclusive influence of gravitation. Within the General Theory gravitation is not purported to be caused by an accelerative force, it is said to be caused by the presence of matter creating a distortion of the space-time continuum. The distortion is such that the continuum becomes curved in the direction of the gravitational source. A mass within this curved space-time, in motion under the sole influence of the source, then moves along a curved path, or geodesic, so gravitating towards it. The velocity of such motion increases with the increase in the degree of curvature as the source is approached. What is not clear in the General Theory however, is how a particle mass is caused to accelerate from rest, from any location within this curved space-time. Also, the mechanism causing the curvature is neither adequately defined nor mathematically described. This paper provides an alternative approach to gravitation avoiding these difficulties by removing the need for a curved space-time continuum. In a manner identical to the analytical approach advanced in [1], the concept of an Existence Velocity within a Relativistic Domain is used to simplify, extend, and eventually re-define the gravitational phenomenon. Initially, the precise definition of a linear Relativistic Space-Time Domain, D1, within which gravitation is subsequently shown to exist naturally, is effected. This permits the derivation of a simple expression for the cause of gravitational motion, defined as the Acceleration Potential of that Domain. This Potential, subsequent to the correlation of the Domain D1 with the Solar System, then enables an uncomplicated derivation of the major kinematic equations of gravitational motion, including those for a central orbit for a single particle mass. Utilising these results, an exact solution of the equation of the orbit is then constructed for comparison with the approximate solutions of the General Theory, and with gravitational motion within the Solar System. Where useful throughout the text, a physical interpretation of the results is given, as is frequent comparison with the applicable expressions of the General Theory. In the interests of brevity, mathematical derivation has been kept as short as possible and only the main results presented. Also, familiarity with the general concept of a Relativistic Space-Time Domain and its main characteristic, Existence Velocity, as presented in [1], is assumed. G1 Version 2.2.3 Ó; P.G.Bass May 2006 |
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