Space-time elasticity and fundamentals of electrodynamics and gravitational theory (Q1093396)

A rather original four-dimensional description of an elastic medium is presented, for which the three-dimensional space statics constructions are redefined. Equilibrium equations for such four-dimensional statics are obtained by means of the variational principle of elastic potential extremum. The equilibrium states of the uniform, isotropic incompressible medium in Minkowskian space are investigated. Two asymptotic classes of such states are considered, small deformations distributed in space, and large deformations localized in small regions. The author draws from his analysis conclusions which may be useful for the general postulates at the basis of general relativity theory. He claims that some new effects are predicted which, of course, require experimental testing. The author ignores all recent works during the last twenty years on relativistic elasticity by many authors both inside and outside the Soviet Union.