An impact model of Newton's law of gravitation

Abstract

The far-reaching gravitational force-in the approximation of Newton's law of gravitation-is described by a heuristic model with hypothetical massless particles propagating at the speed of light in vacuum and transferring momentum and energy between physical entities through interactions on a local basis. The model has some similarities with the impact theory presented by Nicolas Fatio de Duillier to the Royal Society in 1690. Objections raised against this idea are dispelled by invoking the Special Theory of Relativity, considering non-local interactions, and replacing the shielding concept by a secular mass increase of massive bodies. Some consequences and applications of the model are discussed. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.