A tensor theory of space-time as a strained material continuum

Abstract

The classical theory of strain in material continua is reviewed and generalized to space-time. Strain is attributed to "external" (matter/energy fields) and intrinsic sources fixing the global symmetry of the universe (defects in the continuum). A Lagrangian for space-time is worked out, adding to the usual Hilbert term an "elastic" contribution from intrinsic strain. This approach is equivalent to a peculiar tensor field, which is indeed part of the metric tensor. The theory gives a configuration of space-time accounting both for the initial inflation and for the late acceleration. Considering also the contribution from matter the theory is used to fit the luminosity data of type Ia supernovae, giving satisfactory results.

Revised to match the version accepted for publication in Class. Quantum Grav

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• Dark energy as an elastic strain fluid
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• Erratum to: An Entropy Functional for Riemann-Cartan Space-Times
• An entropy-driven cosmic expansion
• Massive gravitational waves from the Cosmic Defect theory
• The strained state cosmology
• On the possibility of classical vacuum polarization and magnetization
• Is time enough in order to know where you are?