Weak equivalence principle and gauge theory of the tetrad gravitational field

The tetrad theory of gravitation corresponding to the Treder formulation of the weak equivalence principle is incompatible with the customary method for constructing a gauge theory for a tetrad gravitational field. In this formulation, the Lagrangian of the nongravitating mass is a direct covariant generalization of the partially relativistic expression to a Riemannian space-time V₄. This incompatibility is at odds with the resutt found in the tetrad formulation of the general theory of relativity derived from the requirement of localization of the Poincaré group.Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 4, pp. 18–21, April, 1978.     

Metric-affine variational principles in general relativity II. Relaxation of the Riemannian constraint

We continue our investigation of a variational principle for general relativity in which the metric tensor and the (asymmetric) linear connection are varied independently. As in Part I, the matter Lagrangian is minimally coupled to the connection and the gravitational Lagrangian is taken to be the curvature scalar, but we now relax the Riemannian constraint as far as possible—that is, as far as the projective invariance of the assumed gravitational Lagrangian will allow. The outcome of this procedure is a gravitational theory formulated in a volume-preserving space-time (i.e., with torsion and tracefree nonmetricity). The vanishing of the trace of the nonmetricity is due to the remaining vector constraint. We also discuss the physical significance of the relaxation of the Riemannian constraint, the possible relaxation of the vector constraint, the notion of the hypermomentum current, and its possible relation to elementary particle physics.     

On the Higgs feature of gravity

The gauge gravitation theory, based on the equivalence principle besides the gauge principle, is formulated in the fibre bundle terms. The correlation between gauge geometry on spinor bundles describing Dirac fermion fields and space-time geometry on a tangent bundle is investigated. We show that field functions of fermion fields in presence of different gravitational fields are always written with respect to different reference frames. Therefore, the conventional quantization procedure is applicable to fermion fields only if gravitational field is fixed. Quantum gravitational fields violate the above mentioned correlation between two geometries.     

On the geometrical interpretation of the theory of gravitation in flat space

In the framework of the flat space-time approach to gravitational theory the equations of motion of point particles are derived from a suitable Lagrangian. Attention is paid to the distinction of the different worldline parameters in Minkowskian und Riemannian space-time. It is shown that the world-lines of point particles are geodesics in a Riemannian space-time and permit a consistent geometrical interpretation of the theory.     

A variational principle for Newton-Cartan theory

In the framework of a space-time theory of gravitation a variational principle is set up for the gravitational field equations and the equations of motion of matter. The general framework leads to Newton's equations of motion with an unspecified force term and, for irrotational motion, to a restriction on the propagation of the shear tensor along the streamlines of matter. The field equations obtained from the variation are weaker than the standard field equations of Newton-Cartan theory. An application to fluids with shear and bulk viscosity is given.     

Gravitation in flat space-time

A previously studied Lorentz-covariant theory of gravitation is given in generally covariant form, i.e., the theory holds for arbitrary reference frames. Flat space-time is a natural condition for the conservation of energy and momentum. The energy-momentum tensor of matter and gravitation is the source of the gravitational field.     

SPHERICALLY SYMMETRIC AND STATIC FIELDS IN LINEARIZED GAUGE THEORIES OF GRAVITATION

In this paper Newtonian limit in the Poincare gauge field theory of gravitation is investigated. In spherically symmetric and static cases interior and exterior solutions of the linearized field equations with gravitational sourtion are obtained by maens of Green's function for the five Lagrangians with out ghosts and tachyons. In cases of four Lagrangians,the space-time metrics outside gravitational source are the usual Schwarzschild one of the first-older, while in the case of the fifth hagrangian the space-time metric differs from the Schwarzschild one. Under both,Newtonian and-weak gravitational field approximations,the motion of a test particle without span should therefore be different from Newton's second law. As a result of the exchanged particles of spin o⁺ the deviation from Newton's second law is a Yukawa term which is attractive. A distance-dependent gravitational "constant" G(r) can be defined according to the new result. The difference between G(r) and Newton's gravitational constant G_∞ is due to a nonzero component of torsion tensor, the effect of which can be tested by measuring G(r).     

The gravitational interaction: Spin,rotation, and quantum effects-a review

Previous work on spin, rotation, and quantum effects in gravitation is surveyed, with particular emphasis on the gravitational two-body interaction, both for elementary particles and for macroscopic bodies. Applications considered include (a) the precession of a gyroscope, (b) rotational effects on the equations of motion for the orbit, (c) binary systems, particularly the binary pulsar PSR 1913+16, and (d) the prospects of measuring spin-orbit and spin-spin forces in the laboratory. In addition, we discuss quantum effects that arise in the interaction between elementary particles. In particular, we point out the potentially decisive role of these forces in high-density matter, with emphasis on the fact that repulsive forces arise that may prevent gravitational collapse. All of the above considerations are within the framework of Einstein's theory of general relativity, albeit extended to treat spin-dependent and quantum forces. Finally, we consider the additional quantum terms that are present if one works with a generalization of Einstein's theory, the Einstein-Cartan-Sciama-Kibble theory of gravitation, in which the spin of matter, as well as its mass, plays a dynamical role.     

Periodic relativity: basic framework of the theory

An alternative gravity theory is proposed which does not rely on Riemannian geometry and geodesic trajectories. The theory named periodic relativity (PR) does not use the weak field approximation and allows every two body system to deviate differently from the flat Minkowski metric. PR differs from general relativity (GR) in predictions of the proper time intervals of distant objects. PR proposes a definite connection between the proper time interval of an object and gravitational frequency shift of its constituent particles as the object travels through the gravitational field. PR is based on the dynamic weak equivalence principle which equates the gravitational mass with the relativistic mass. PR provides very accurate solutions for the Pioneer anomaly and the rotation curves of galaxies outside the framework of general relativity. PR satisfies Einstein’s field equations with respect to the three major GR tests within the solar system and with respect to the derivation of Friedmann equation in cosmology. This article defines the underlying framework of the theory.     

The confrontation between general relativity and experiment: An update

The status of experimental tests of general relativity to the end of 1983 is reviewed. The experimental support for the Einstein equivalence principle is summarized. If this principle is valid, gravitation must be described by a curved space-time, “metric” theory of gravity. General properties of metric theories are described and the parametrized post-Newtonian (PPN) formalism for treating the weak-field, slow-motion limit of such theories is set up. A zoo of selected metric theories of gravity is presented. Experimental tests of metric theories are then described, including the “classical” tests, tests of the strong equivalence principle, and others. The possibility of using gravitational-wave observations to test metric theories is discussed. A review is presented of the binary pulsar, in which the first evidence for gravitational radiation has been found. Finally cosmological tests of alternative theories are briefly described.     

Relativistic theory of gravitation

In the present paper a relativistic theory of gravitation (RTG) is unambiguously constructed on the basis of the special relativity and geometrization principle. In this a gravitational field is treated as the Faraday-Maxwell spin-2 and spin-0 physical field possessing energy and momentum. The source of a gravitational field is the total conserved energy-momentum tensor of matter and of a gravitational field in Minkowski space. In the RTG the conservation laws are strictly filfilled for the energy-momentum and for the angular momentum of matter and a gravitational field. The theory explains the whole available set of experiments on gravity. By virtue of the geometrization principle, the Riemannian space in our theory is of field origin, since it appears as an effective force space due to the action of a gravitational field on matter. The RTG leads to an exceptionally strong prediction: The universe is not closed but just flat. This suggests that in the universe a missing mass should exist in a form of matter.     

Kosmologische Lösungen der lorentzinvarianten Gravitationstheorie

In the framework of the Lorentz invariant theory of gravitation a cosmology in the flat space-time is investigated. As in the Newtonian cosmology we start from an infinitely extended system of incoherent matter under the influence of its own gravitational field. The field equations, the equations of motion and the world postulate of homogenity and isotropy for geodetic observes lead then to the Friedman equation. In order to handle the coupled system of equations for the gravitational field and the matter a conveniant approximation method is developed. The calculations are carried out in the second order of this method. The Einstein theory, which is in some respect equivalent to the Lorentz invariant theory of gravitation, serves as a guiding principle for our formal developements. On the other hand the flat space-time cosmology presented here, gives rise to a new interpretation of the Einstein Cosmology.     

A new spin test for the equivalence principle

The existing impressive tests for the strong equivalence principle are reviewed and their classical nature is emphasized. The possibility is raised here that intrinsic quantum spins may behave differently from orbital angular momentum in gravitational fields. The techniques developed to measure the electric dipole moment of the neutron are shown to offer hopes of testing this hypothesis. Einstein's theory predicts a null result for this experiment. This would constitute the first quantum test for the strong equivalence principle. Deviation from a null result would invalidate Einstein's theory of gravitation, as well as indicate the failure of the discrete symmetries (P, T) in gravitation.This essay received an honorable mention (1976) from the Gravity Research Foundation-Ed.     

The equivalence principle

The experimental basis of the equivalence principle is reviewed, and the implications for the gravitational interactions of elementary particles are studied within a special relativistic framework. The gravitational red shift is treated in detail and is used to show that antiparticles also obey the equivalence principle. The profound consequences of a violation of the equivalence principle are discussed.     

Gravitation in flat space. principle of equivalence for massive bodies of gravitational structure

It is shown that in a new nonmetrical nonlinear theory of gravitation in flat space [1, 2], satisfying the four classical effects of the general theory of relativity and the weak principle of equivalence for massive bodies of electromagnetic structure, the weak principle of equivalence is also satisfied for massive bodies of gravitational structure.Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 5, pp. 26–32, May, 1979.     

Gravitation and source theory

Schwinger's source theory is applied to the problem of gravitation and its quantization. It is shown that within the framework of a flat-space the source theory implementation leads to a violation of probability. To avoid the difficulty one must introduce a curved space-time hence the source concept may be said to necessitate the transition to a curved-space theory of gravitation. It is further shown that the curved-space theory of gravitation implied by the source theory is not equivalent to the conventional Einstein theory. The source concept leads to a different theory where the gravitational field has a stress-energy tensor t_μ^ν, which contributes to geometric curvatures.     

Geometric fermions

We study the Kähler-Dirac equation which linearizes the laplacian on the space of antisymmetric tensor fields. In flat space-time it is equivalent to the Dirac equation with internal symmetry and on the lattice it reproduces Susskind fermions. The KD equation in curved space-time differs from the Dirac equation by coupling the gravitational field to the internal symmetry generators. This new way of treating fermionic degrees of freedom may lead to a solution of the generation puzzle but is in conflict with the equivalence principle and with Lorentz invariance on the Planck-mass scale.     

Attempt to construct a general covariant theory of a scalar gravitational field

An attempt is made in this paper to construct a scalar theory of gravitation which is based on the main postulates of the general theory of relativity (GTR), i.e., on the principle of the equivalence of inertial and gravitational mass and on the principle of general covariance of the theory.Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 4, pp. 75–79, April, 1984.