Relativistic Rotation in the Large Radius, Small Angular Velocity Limit
Relativistic rotation is considered in the limit of angular velocity approaching zero and radial distance approaching infinity, such that centrifugal acceleration is immeasurably small while tangent velocity remains close to the speed of light. For this case, the predictions of the traditional approach to relativistic rotation using local co-moving Lorentz frames are compared and contrasted with those of the differential geometry based non-time-orthogonal analysis approach. Different predictions by the two approaches imply that only the non-time-orthogonal approach is valid.
TOWARD A CONSISTENT THEORY OF RELATIVISTIC ROTATION
Although most physicists presume the theoretical basis of relativistically rotating systems is well established, there may be grounds to call the traditional analysis of such systems into question. That analysis is argued to be inconsistent with regard to its prediction for circumferential Lorentz contraction, and via the hypothesis of locality, the postulates of special relativity. It is also contended that the traditional analysis is in violation of the continuous and single valued nature of physical time. It is further submitted to be in disagreement with the empirical finding of Brillet and Hall, the global positioning system satellite data, and a light pulse arrival time analysis of the Sagnac experiment.
Gravitational Radiation and the Validity of General Relativity
While the detection of gravitational radiation may usher in a new era of “gravitational wave” astronomy (see the accompanying article by Barry Barish and Rainer Weiss, on page 44), it should also yield new and interesting tests of Einstein's general theory of relativity, especially in the radiative and strong‐field regimes. Consequently, we are in an unusual situation. After all, we rarely think of electromagnetic astronomy as providing tests of Maxwell's theory. Neutrino astronomy may be a closer cousin: We can observe neutrinos to learn about the solar interior or about supernovae, while also checking such fundamental phenomena as neutrino oscillations. To some extent, the usefulness of astronomical observations in testing fundamental theory depends upon how well tested the theory is already. At the same time, since general relativity is the basis for virtually all discussion of gravitational‐wave detectors and sources, the extent of its “upfront” validity is of some concern to us.