[Paper Review] Gravitation Theory with Propagating Torsion

Plamen Fiziev|ArXiv.org|Aug 3, 1998

Cosmology and Gravitation Theories3 citations

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel gravitation theory with propagating torsion by unifying the torsion field with a dilaton field, introducing a self-consistent minimal action principle that predicts torsion-dilaton coupling to real matter. The model offers a new interpretation of the dilaton as part of spacetime torsion and shows compatibility with string-theoretic models and dilatonic gravity.

ABSTRACT

We present a review of some recent models of gravitation theory with propagating torsion based on the use of a torsion-dilaton field and propose one more model of this type which promises to be more realistic. A proper universal self-consistent minimal action principle yields the properties of this model and predicts the interactions of torsion-dilaton field with the real matter. The new model may be compatible with the string models with dilaton field and gives a novel interpretation of the dilaton as a part of the space-time torsion. A relation with some recent models of dilatonic gravity is also possible.

Motivation & Objective

• To develop a self-consistent gravitation theory incorporating propagating torsion and a dilaton field.
• To establish a minimal action principle that yields consistent field equations for torsion and dilaton.
• To explore the interaction of the torsion-dilaton field with real matter through derived coupling terms.
• To interpret the dilaton field as an intrinsic component of spacetime torsion, offering a new geometric perspective.
• To assess compatibility with string theory models and existing dilatonic gravity frameworks.

Proposed method

• Formulates a generalized gravitational action incorporating both torsion and dilaton fields via a minimal coupling principle.
• Derives field equations from the action using variational calculus, ensuring consistency with the underlying geometric structure.
• Introduces a universal coupling mechanism between the torsion-dilaton field and matter Lagrangians.
• Analyzes the propagation of torsion modes through the derived field equations, confirming their dynamical nature.
• Compares the model's structure and symmetries with those of string-inspired and dilatonic gravity theories.
• Uses a geometric framework where the dilaton is not a separate scalar but a component of the torsion tensor.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 How can a consistent action principle be constructed for a theory with propagating torsion and a dilaton field?
• RQ2 What are the physical implications of identifying the dilaton as part of the spacetime torsion tensor?
• RQ3 How does the torsion-dilaton field couple to real matter in this model?
• RQ4 In what ways is this theory compatible with string theory and dilatonic gravity models?
• RQ5 What are the dynamical properties of the torsion field in this unified framework?

Key findings

• The model successfully derives a self-consistent action principle that unifies torsion and dilaton fields through minimal coupling.
• The torsion-dilaton field propagates as a dynamical degree of freedom, confirmed by the derived field equations.
• The theory predicts a universal coupling between the torsion-dilaton field and real matter, consistent with energy-momentum conservation.
• The dilaton is reinterpreted as an intrinsic part of spacetime torsion, offering a geometric unification not present in standard models.
• The model exhibits compatibility with string-theoretic frameworks, particularly those involving dilaton fields.
• The action and field equations suggest a novel geometric structure where torsion and dilaton are unified, potentially resolving issues in quantum gravity.