We build a self-consistent relativistic scalar theory of gravitation on a flat Minkowski spacetime from a general field Lagrangian. It is shown that, for parameters that satisfy the Equivalence Principle, this theory predicts the same outcome as general relativity for every classical solar-system test. This theory also admits gravitational waves that propagate at the speed of light, and the gravitational radiation energy loss in a binary system is shown to be very similar to the GR prediction. We then analyze the strong gravity regime of the theory for a spherically symmetric configuration and find that there is an effective "singularity" near the Schwarzschild radius. The main goal of this work is to show that, contrary to what is commonly believed, there are relativistic scalar theories of gravitation defined on a Minkowski spacetime that are not ruled out by the classical solar system tests of general relativity.
Including the metric fluctuations of a realistic cosmological geometry we reconsider an earlier suggestion that measuring the relative time-of-flight of ultra-relativistic particles can provide interesting constraints on fundamental cosmological and/or particle parameters. Using convenient properties of the geodetic light-cone coordinates we first compute, to leading order in the Lorentz factor and for a generic (inhomogeneous, anisotropic) space-time, the relative arrival times of two ultra-relativistic particles as a function of their masses and energies as well as of the details of the larg…
We study gravitational waves in viable $f(R)$ theories under a non-zero background curvature. In general, an $f(R)$ theory contains an extra scalar degree of freedom corresponding to a massive scalar mode of gravitational wave. For viable $f(R)$ models, since there always exits a de-Sitter point where the background curvature in vacuum is non-zero, the mass squared of the scalar mode of gravitational wave is about the de-Sitter point curvature $R_{d}\sim10^{-66}eV^{2}$. We illustrate our results in two types of viable $f(R)$ models: the exponential gravity and Starobinsky models. In both cases…
The Hamiltonian of the Relativistic Theory of Gravitation (RTG) with nonzero graviton mass is derived. Scalar field is taken as a matter source. The second class constraints are excluded and Dirac brackets are obtained. There are no first class constraints in the theory. The Poincare group generators are found by specifying the family of hypersurfaces and the Poincare algebra is realized in Dirac brackets. This is in accordance with the statement that there are 10 conservation laws in the RTG.
It is shown that, in the framework of Relativistic Theory of Gravitation with massive graviton, gravitational waves, due to the causality condition, do not bear negative energy flows.
We consider a first order formulation of relativistic fluids with bulk viscosity based on a stress-energy tensor introduced by Lichnerowicz. Choosing a barotropic equation of state, we show that this theory satisfies basic physical requirements and, under the further assumption of vanishing vorticity, that the equations of motion are causal, both in the case of a fixed background and when the equations are coupled to Einstein's equations. Furthermore, Lichnerowicz's proposal does not fit into the general framework of first order theories studied by Hiscock and Lindblom, and hence their instabi…
We obtain the Poincare group generators by proper choice of arbitrary functions present in the Relativistic Theory of Gravitation (RTG) Hamiltonian. Their Dirac brackets give the Poincare algebra in accordance with the fact that RTG has 10 integrals of motion.
In the model of flat expansive homogeneous and isotropic relativistic universe with total zero and local non-zero energy the gravitation energy of bodies and the elecromagnetic energy of charged bodies can be localised.
The causality principle imposes the constraints on the cosmological parameters in the relativistic theory of gravitation. As a result, X-matter causes the quite definite cosmological scenario with the alternate acceleration and deceleration and the final recollapse
The classical problem of self-energy divergence was studied in the framework of Lagrangian formulation of Relativistic Mechanics. The conclusion was made that a revision of mass-energy concept is needed for the development of singularity-free gravitational and electromagnetic field theory. Perspectives of the development of unified field theory are discussed.
It is shown that certain aspects of gravitation may be described using a relativistic action-at-a-distance formulation. The equations of motion of the model presented are invariant under Lorentz transformations and agree with the equations of Einstein's theory of General Relativity, at the first Post-Newtonian approximation, for any number of interacting point masses.
We construct a self-consistent relativistic Newtonian analogue corresponding to gravitational static spherical symmetric spacetime geometries, staring directly from a generalized scalar relativistic gravitational action in Newtonian framework, which gives geodesic equations of motion identical to those of the parent metric. Consequently, the derived velocity-dependent relativistic scalar potential, which is a relativistic generalization of Newtonian gravitational potential, exactly reproduces the relativistic gravitational features corresponding to any static spherical symmetric spacetime geom…
Does relativistic gravity provide arguments against the existence of a preferred frame? Our answer is negative. We define a viable theory of gravity with preferred frame. In this theory, the EEP holds exactly, and the Einstein equations of GR limit are obtained in a natural limit. Despite some remarkable differences (stable "frozen stars" instead of black holes, a "big bounce" instead of the big bang, exclusion of nontrivial topologies and closed causal loops, and a preference for a flat universe) the theory is viable. The equations of the theory are derived from simple axioms about some funda…
We analyze the signal-to-noise ratio for a relic background of scalar gravitational radiation composed of massive, non-relativistic particles, interacting with the monopole mode of two resonant spherical detectors. We find that the possible signal is enhanced with respect to the differential mode of the interferometric detectors. This enhancement is due to: {\rm (a)} the absence of the signal suppression, for non-relativistic scalars, with respect to a background of massless particles, and {\rm (b)} for flat enough spectra, a growth of the signal with the observation time faster than for a mas…
The generalization of the concept of homogeneous gravitational field from Classical Mechanics was considered in the framework of Einstein's General Relativity by Bogorodskii. In this paper, I look for such a generalization in the framework of the Relativistic Theory of Gravitation. There exist a substantial difference between the solutions in these two theories. Unfortunately, the solution obtained according to the Relativistic Theory of Gravitation can't be accepted because it doesn't fulfill the Causality Principle in this theory. So, it remains open in RTG the problem of finding a generaliz…
We consider the unification problem for the gravitational and electromagnetic interactions and its possible solution on the basis of the existence of an effective Riemannian space in nonlinear electrodynamics
In the weak-field limit of General Relativity, gravitational waves obey linear equations and propagate at the speed of light. These properties of General Relativity are supported by the observation of ultra high energy cosmic rays as well as by LIGO's recent detection of gravitation waves. We argue that two existing relativistic generalizations of Modified Newtonian Dynamics, namely Generalized Einstein-Aether theory and BIMOND, display fatal inconsistencies with these observations.
Horizon solutions for the axial perturbations of the spherically symmetric metric are analyzed in the framework of the relativistic theory of gravitation. The gravitational perturbations can not be absorbed by the horizon that results in the excitation of the new type of the normal modes trapped by the Regge-Wheeler potential. The obtained results demonstrate testable differences between the collapsar and the black hole near-horizon physics.
We consider the dynamics of tensor and scalar gravitational fields in the Relativistic Theory of Gravitation with the Minkowskian vacuum metric and generalize the formulation to the massless graviton. The potential of scalar field is determined in the presence of cosmological term under clear physical motivations. We find cosmological inflationary solutions and analyze conditions providing the transition to the regime of hot expanding universe.
After commenting on the early search for a mechanism explaining the Newtonian action-at-a-distance gravitational law we review non-Newtonian effects occurring in certain ansatzes for shielding, screening and absorption effects in pre-relativistic theories of gravity. Mainly under the aspect of absorption and suppression (or amplification), we then consider some implications of these ansatzes for relativistic theories of gravity and discuss successes and problems in establishing a general framework for a comparison of alternative relativistic theories of gravity. We examine relativistic represe…
How does one measure the gravitational field? We give explicit answers to this fundamental question and show how all components of the curvature tensor, which represents the gravitational field in Einstein's theory of General Relativity, can be obtained by means of two different methods. The first method relies on the measuring the accelerations of a suitably prepared set of test bodies relative to the observer. The second methods utilizes a set of suitably prepared clocks. The methods discussed here form the basis of relativistic (clock) gradiometry and are of direct operational relevance for…
A stochastic background of relic gravitational waves is achieved by the so called adiabatically-amplified zero-point fluctuations process derived from early inflation. It provides a distinctive spectrum of relic gravitational waves. In the framework of scalar-tensor gravity, we discuss the scalar modes of gravitational waves and the primordial production of this scalar component which is generated beside tensorial one. Then we analyze different viable $f(R)$-gravities towards the Solar System tests and stochastic gravitational waves background. The aim is to achive experimental bounds for the …
In this paper, the gravitational deflection of relativistic massive particles up to the second post-Minkowskian order by static and spherically symmetric wormholes is investigated in the weak-field limit. These wormholes include the Janis-Newman-Winicour wormhole, a class of zero Ricci scalar scalar-tensor wormholes, and a class of charged Einstein-Maxwell-dilaton wormholes. With the Jacobi metric approach, the Gauss-Bonnet theorem is employed to study the gravitational deflection. In this scheme, the deflection angle as a topological effect is considered. Moreover, we analyze the influence of…
It has been suggested that re-expressing relativity in terms of forces could provide fresh insights. The formalism developed for this purpose only applied to static, or conformally static, space-times. Here we extend it to arbitrary space-times. It is hoped that this formalism may lead to a workable definition of mass and energy in relativity.
In this article, we propose a physical condition to extend interior isotropic solutions to anisotropic domains by gravitational decoupling in the framework of the Minimal Geometric Deformation approach. In particular, it is found that by using an expression reminiscent of the classical anisotropy factor, we can close the decoupling system of equations and a new anisotropic solution can be found. As an example, we extend the well--known Tolman IV.
The well-noted correspondence between gravitation and electrodynamics emphasizes the importance of the Lanczos tensor -- the potential of the Weyl tensor -- which is an inherent structural element of any metric theory of gravity formulated in a 4-dimensional pseudo Riemannian spacetime. However, this ingenious discovery has gone largely unnoticed. We elucidate this important quantity by deriving its expressions in some particularly chosen spacetimes and try to find out what it represents actually. We find out that the Lanczos potential tensor does not represent the potential of the gravitation…
We use both numerical and analytical approaches to study the dynamics of the gravitational collapse in the framework of the relativistic theory of gravitation (RTG). We use various equations of state for the collapsing matter and relatively realistic initial conditions with smooth matter distribution, which corresponds to static solution for the given equation of state. We also obtain results concerning the influence of the graviton mass on the properties of static solutions. We specify several characteristics of the process of the collapse, in particular, we determine the dependence of the tu…
We present a fully nonlinear and exact perturbation formulation of Einstein's gravity with a general fluid and the ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) without imposing the slicing (temporal gauge) condition. Using this formulation, we derive equations of special relativistic (SR) MHD in the presence of weak gravitation. The equations are consistently derived in the limit of weak gravity and action-at-a-distance in the maximal slicing. We show that in this approximation the relativistic nature of gravity does not affect the SR MHD dynamics, but SR effects manifest themselves in the metric, and thu…
The relative motion of a classical relativistic spinning test particle is studied with respect to a nearby free test particle in the gravitational field of a rotating source. The effects of the spin-curvature coupling force are elucidated and the implications of the results for the motion of rotating plasma clumps in astrophysical jets are discussed.
The local galactic cluster, the Great attractor, embeds us in a dimensionless gravitational potential of about - 3 x 10^{-5}. In the solar system this potential is constant to about 1 part in 10^{11}. Consequently, planetary orbits, which are determined by the gradient in the gravitational potential, remain unaffected. However, this is not so for the recently introduced flavor-oscillation clocks where the new redshift-inducing phases depend on the gravitational potential itself. On these grounds, and by studying the invariance properties of the gravitational phenomenon in the weak fields, we a…
We study the field profile of a scalar field $ϕ$ that couples to a matter fluid (dubbed a chameleon field) in the relativistic gravitational background of a spherically symmetric spacetime. Employing a linear expansion in terms of the gravitational potential $Φ_c$ at the surface of a compact object with a constant density, we derive the thin-shell field profile both inside and outside the object, as well as the resulting effective coupling with matter, analytically. We also carry out numerical simulations for the class of inverse power-law potentials $V(ϕ)=M^{4+n} ϕ^{-n}$ by employing the info…
Thin shells in general relativity have been used in the past as keystones to obtain realistic models of cosmological and astrophysical situations. A crucial role for these developments was played by the compact description of their dynamics in terms of Israel's junction conditions. Starting from this geometrical formulation we present a problem related to the WKB regime of shell dynamics and suggest a possible solution.
A certain vector-tensor (VT) theory of gravitation was tested in previous papers. In the background universe, the vector field of the theory has a certain energy density, which is appropriate to play the role of vacuum energy (cosmological constant). Moreover, this background and its perturbations may explain the temperature angular power spectrum of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) obtained with WMAP (Wilkinson Map Anisotropy Probe), and other observations, as e.g., the Ia supernova luminosities. The parametrized post-Newtonian limit of the VT theory has been proved to be identical to th…
Making use of the classical Binet's equation a general procedure to obtain the gravitational force corresponding to an arbitrary 4-dimensional spacetime is presented. This method provides, for general relativistic scenarios, classics expressions that may help to visualize certain effects that Newton's theory can not explain. In particular, the force produced by a gravitational field which source is spherically symmetrical (Schwarzschild's spacetime) is obtained. Such expression uses a redefinition of the classical reduced mass, in the limit case it can be reduced to Newton's Universal Law of G…
The special relativistic hydrodynamics with weak gravity is hitherto unknown in the literature. Whether such an asymmetric combination is possible was unclear. Here, the hydrodynamic equations with Poisson-type gravity considering fully relativistic velocity and pressure under the weak gravity and the action-at-a-distance limit are consistently derived from Einstein's general relativity. Analysis is made in the maximal slicing where the Poisson's equation becomes much simpler than our previous study in the zero-shear gauge. Also presented is the hydrodynamic equations in the first post-Newtoni…
We derive a general quantum master equation for the dynamics of a scalar bosonic particle interacting with a weak, stochastic and classical external gravitational field. The dynamics predicts decoherence in position, momentum and energy. We show how our master equation reproduces the results present in the literature by taking appropriate limits, thus explaining the apparent contradiction in their dynamical description. Our result is relevant in light of the increasing interest in the low energy quantum-gravity regime.
Unlike general relativity, the scalar gravitational waves can be excited due to the radial oscillations in scalar-tensor gravity. To examine the scalar gravitational waves in scalar-tensor gravity, we derive the evolution equations of the radial oscillations of neutron stars and determine the specific oscillation frequencies of the matter oscillations and scalar gravitational waves, where we adopt two different numerical approaches, i.e., the mode analysis and direct time evolution. As a result, we observe the spontaneous scalarization even in the radial oscillations. Depending on the backgrou…
We consider the three dimensional gravitational Vlasov-Poisson (GVP) system in both classical and relativistic cases. The classical problem is subcritical in the natural energy space and the stability of a large class of ground states has been derived by various authors. The relativistic problem is critical and displays finite time blow up solutions. Using standard concentration compactness techniques, we however show that the breaking of the scaling symmetry allows the existence of stable relativistic ground states. A new feature in our analysis which applies both to the classical and relativ…
The recently introduced mechanism of flavor-oscillation clocks has been used to emphasize observability of constant gravitational potentials and thereby to question completeness of the theory of general relativity. An inequality has been derived to experimentally test the thesis presented.
