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A. N. Lasenby, C. J. L. Doran and S. F. Gull.
Astrophysical and Cosmological Consequences of a Gauge Theory
of Gravity
In N. Sanchez and A. Zichichi, eds. Advances in Astrofundamental
Physics. Erice 1994 (World Scientific Publishing Co., 1995),
p. 359-401.
Abstract: A new gauge-theory description of gravity is
presented, employing gauge fields in a flat background spacetime.
These fields ensure that all physical relations are independent
of the position and orientation of the matter fields in this background.
The language of 'geometric algebra' best expresses the physical
and mathematical content of the theory and is employed throughout.
A method of working directly with the physical fields is developed
and applied to the case of a radially-symmetric time-varying perfect
fluid. A gauge is found in which the physics reduces to a set of
Newtonian equations. The insistence on finding global solutions
alters the physical picture of the horizon around a black hole,
and enables one to discuss the properties of field lines inside
the horizon created by a point charge held at rest outside it. Some
applications to cosmology are discussed, and a study of the Dirac
equation in a cosmological background reveals that the only models
consistent with homogeneity are spatially flat.
pdf, postscript
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