The Nonlinear Essence of Gravitational Waves

TL;DR

This paper critically reviews gravitational wave theory, arguing that linear models are inconsistent and that true gravitational waves must be inherently nonlinear to carry energy-momentum, similar to Yang-Mills fields.

Contribution

It challenges the conventional linear approach to gravitational waves, emphasizing the necessity of nonlinearity for energy-momentum transport in gravitational waves.

Findings

Linear gravitational wave theory is conceptually inconsistent.

Nonlinear gravitational waves are necessary to carry energy-momentum.

Analogies with Yang-Mills fields support the nonlinear nature of gravitational waves.

Abstract

A critical review of gravitational wave theory is made. It is pointed out that the usual linear approach to the gravitational wave theory is neither conceptually consistent nor mathematically justified. Relying upon that analysis it is then argued that -- analogously to a Yang-Mills propagating field, which must be nonlinear to carry its gauge charge -- a gravitational wave must necessarily be nonlinear to transport its own charge -- that is, energy-momentum.