Surface tension: Accelerated expansion, coincidence problem & Hubble tension

Abstract

In this paper, we give a physical explanation to the accelerated expansion of the universe, alleviating the tension between the discrepancy of Hubble constant measurements. By the EulerCauchy stress principle, we identify a controversy on the lack of consideration of the surface forces contemplated in the study of the expansion of the universe. We distinguish a new general relativistic effect that modifies the spacetime fabric by means of the energy conservation equation. The resulting dynamical equations from the proposed hypothesis are contrasted to several testable astrophysical predictions. This paper also explains why we have not found any particle or fluid responsible for dark energy and clarifies the Cosmological Coincidence Problem. These explanations are achieved without assuming the existence of exotic matter of unphysical meaning or having to modify Einstein’s Field Equations.