Gravity in Brans-Dicke theory with Born-Infeld scalar field and the Pioneer anomaly

TL;DR

This paper explores a generalized scalar-tensor gravity model with Born-Infeld non-linearity, which could explain the Pioneer anomaly by affecting test body interactions based on their masses.

Contribution

It introduces a novel Brans-Dicke extension with Born-Infeld scalar field non-linearity, highlighting its potential to account for spacecraft anomalies.

Findings

Interaction properties depend on test body masses

Model offers a possible explanation for Pioneer anomaly

Non-linear scalar field influences gravitational interactions

Abstract

In this paper we discuss a model which can be considered as a generalization of the well-known scalar-tensor Brans-Dicke theory. This model possesses an interesting feature: due to Born-Infeld type non-linearity of the scalar field the properties of the interaction between two test bodies depend significantly on their masses. It is shown that the model can be interesting in view of the Pioneer 10, 11 spacecraft anomaly.