Nonlinear effects in Thomas precession due to the interplay of Lorentz contraction and Thomas--Wigner rotation

Abstract

It is demonstrated that the 3--vector $\bs{S}$ currently associated to the spin in an inertial frame does not contract, but rather dilates, in the direction of the velocity. The correct vector $\bs{T}$ is individuated. The equation of motion for the two vectors is shown to contain two terms, a common linear rotation, identified with Thomas precession, and also a nonlinear rotation depending on the direction of the spin itself.