Results of space experiments and effect of torsion

Abstract

The results of two space experiments, around the world clocks and gravity probe B, are analyzed theoretically using a field theory. The field equations of this theory are reduced to those of general relativity outside material distribution, while its equations of motion are not a geodesic one. This equation violates the weak equivalence principle because of the non-vanishing torsion in the geometry used. The predictions of the theory give rise to the time dilation measured by the first experiment and to the geodetic and frame drag effects measured by the second experiment. Furthermore, we show that these predictions are affected by the torsion of space-time. The torsion term, in the equation of motion, is connected to other effects through a coupling parameter. This parameter is called the “spin-torsion” coupling if the moving test particle is elementary one with non-vanishing quantum spin. We call this parameter “rotation-torsion” coupling if the moving test particle is a gyroscope. In the first case, the coupling parameter is well defined and confirmed by terrestrial experiment, while in the second case the parameter still needs further investigation and discussion.