Abstract
A phenomenological model for virtual graviton exchange between mass-energy establishes a link between the gravitational constant G and other physical constants within the bounds of Quantum Field Theory. This gives the formulation G = α g ћ c/u 2, where α g is the dimensionless coupling constant for graviton exchange between atomic units of mass energy uc 2 (u is the atomic mass unit (kg)). This formulation is identical to that obtained by dimensional analysis and is analogous to the formula for the electromagnetic coupling (fine structure) constant. Some applications are described, including a new interpretation of Planck quantities and predictions of the model are developed. The model provides an explanation of the anomalous Pioneer acceleration and for the occurrence of perturbations to gravitational interactions at very large (i.e., interstellar and intergalactic) distances. It provides a basis for understanding galactic rotation curves without the need for ad hoc modifications to Newtonian dynamics. Finally, the possibility that an enhanced graviton exchange effect could be the cause of variations in terrestrial measurements of G is critically examined.
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Clark, M.J. (2004). Graviton Exchange and the Gravitational Constant. In: de Sabbata, V., Gillies, G.T., Melnikov, V.N. (eds) The Gravitational Constant: Generalized Gravitational Theories and Experiments. NATO Science Series, vol 141. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-2242-5_3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-2242-5_3
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