On a scalar theory of gravitation

TL;DR

This paper proposes a scalar theory of gravitation based on a single scalar field that accounts for relativistic effects, predicts cosmic acceleration, and offers a new approach to continuum and electromagnetic dynamics.

Contribution

It introduces a scalar gravitation theory that unifies relativistic effects, modifies Maxwell's equations, and predicts cosmic acceleration within a preferred-frame framework.

Findings

Predicts light ray effects similar to GR at post-Newtonian order

Derives a new continuum dynamics equation incorporating gravity

Predicts cosmic acceleration and nonsingular cosmological models

Abstract

That preferred-frame theory accounts for special relativity and reduces to it if the gravitation field cancels. Starting from an interpretation of gravity as a pressure force, it is based on just one scalar field. This scalar gives the relation between the flat "background" metric and the curved "physical" metric, due to an equivalence principle between the absolute effects of motion and gravitation. The scalar is also a potential for the gravity acceleration vector. Motion is governed by an extension of the special-relativistic form of Newton's second law. This provides a new equation for continuum dynamics, that gives the gravitational modification of Maxwell's equations, consistent with photon dynamics. The same effects on light rays as in GR are predicted at the post-Newtonian approximation (PNA). An asymptotic PNA is being studied, in order to build a consistent celestial mechanics in the theory. The cosmic acceleration is predicted and nonsingular cosmological models are obtained.