Modified general relativity

Abstract

In a Lorentzian spacetime there exists a smooth regular line element field $(\bm{X},-\bm{X}) $ and a unit vector $ \bm{u} $ collinear with one of the pair of vectors in the line element field. An orthogonal decomposition of symmetric tensors can be constructed in terms of the Lie derivative along $ \bm{X} $ of the metric and a product of the unit vectors; and a linear sum of divergenceless symmetric tensors. A modified Einstein equation of general relativity is then obtained by using the principle of least action, the decomposition and a fundamental postulate of general relativity. The decomposition introduces a new symmetric tensor $ \varPhi_{\alpha\beta} $ which describes the energy-momentum of the gravitational field. It completes Einstein's equation and addresses the energy localization problem. Variation of the action with respect to $ X^{\mu} $ restricts $u_{\mu}$ to a particular value, which defines the possible Lorentzian metrics. $ \Phi $, the trace of $ \varPhi_{\alpha\beta} $, describes dark energy. The cosmological constant is dynamically replaced by $ \Phi $. A cyclic universe that developed after the Big Bang is described. The dark energy density provides a natural explanation of why the vacuum energy density is so small, and why it dominates the present epoch. Assuming dark matter does not exist, a solution to the modified Einstein equation introduces two additional terms into the Newtonian radial force equation, from which the baryonic Tully-Fisher relation is obtained.