Toward a gravitational theory based on mass-induced accelerated space expansion

Abstract

The general theory of relativity (GTR) has proved to accurately describe all gravitational aspects of our universe. This theory was developed by Einstein under the premises of the principle of equivalence to describe the behavior of inertial systems in accelerated reference frames, but the physical basis for the principle of equivalence and for the existence of accelerated reference frames remains to be understood. Here, we postulate that the principle of equivalence could be explained in terms of an accelerated flow of space toward the origin of the gravitational field, which would explain the accelerated reference frames. We provide evidence that the gravitational constant predicts the observed increase in the Hubble constant from early to late universe. This suggests that gravity and accelerated expansion of the universe could derive from the same physical principle depending on the mass density operating in each process. Mass-induced accelerated space expansion through a hypothetical fourth spatial dimension could explain the curvature of spacetime. It would be the projection of the expanded space to our three-dimensional universe what would lead to relativistic gravitational effects such as time dilation, redshift, and black hole formation. Therefore, a gravitational theory can be envisioned, halfway between classical mechanics and GTR.