Gravitation: in search of the missing torsion

TL;DR

This paper compares three gravitational models involving torsion, critically analyzing their dependability, and argues that teleparallel gravity offers the most consistent approach among them.

Contribution

It provides a critical examination of teleparallel gravity, Einstein-Cartan, and new general relativity, highlighting the potential of teleparallel gravity as the most reliable torsion-based model.

Findings

Teleparallel gravity is the most consistent among the models examined.

Non-vanishing torsion models are viable alternatives to general relativity.

Further experimental validation is needed to confirm the best model.

Abstract

A linear Lorentz connection has always two fundamental derived characteristics: curvature and torsion. The latter is assumed to vanish in general relativity. Three gravitational models involving non-vanishing torsion are examined: teleparallel gravity, Einstein-Cartan, and new general relativity. Their dependability is critically examined. Although a final answer can only be given by experience, it is argued that teleparallel gravity provides the most consistent approach.