From continuum mechanics to general relativity

TL;DR

This paper develops a gravity theory based on continuum mechanics that is equivalent to Einstein's general relativity and offers a faster, more natural derivation, with potential for exploring non-standard space-time symmetries.

Contribution

It introduces a continuum mechanics-based approach to derive general relativity, simplifying the conceptual pathway and enabling modifications for alternative space-time symmetries.

Findings

The constructed theory is equivalent to Einstein's general relativity.

The approach provides a faster derivation of general relativity.

It allows modifications to explore non-standard space-time symmetries.

Abstract

Using ideas from continuum mechanics we construct a theory of gravity. We show that this theory is equivalent to Einstein's theory of general relativity; it is also a much faster way of reaching general relativity than the conventional route. Our approach is simple and natural: we form a very general model and then apply two physical assumptions supported by experimental evidence. This easily reduces our construction to a model equivalent to general relativity. Finally, we suggest a simple way of modifying our theory to investigate non-standard space-time symmetries.