%T From continuum mechanics to general relativity
%V 23
%A CG Boehmer
%A RJ Downes
%N 12
%D 2014
%I Submitted to International Journal of Modern Physics D
%J International Journal of Modern Physics D
%K General relativity; continuum mechanics; space-time symmetries
%L discovery1430257
%X Using ideas from continuum mechanics we construct a theory of gravity. We show that this theory is equivalent to Einstein's theory of general relativity; it is also a much faster way of reaching general relativity than the conventional route. Our approach is simple and natural: we form a very general model and then apply two physical assumptions supported by experimental evidence. This easily reduces our construction to a model equivalent to general relativity. Finally, we suggest a simple way of modifying our theory to investigate nonstandard spacetime symmetries.
%O This essay received a honorable mention in the 2014 essay competition of the Gravity Research Foundation. - This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.