Finite-Response Coupled Field Dynamics (FRCFD): From Strong-Field Astrophysics to Cosmological Redshift
“This work establishes internal consistency and testable structure; full cosmological fitting is a subsequent program.”
Finite-Response Coupled Field Dynamics (FRCFD): From Strong-Field Astrophysics to Cosmological Redshift
Derek Flegg
Southern Ontario, March 2026
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Core Framework
- 2.4 Foundational Assumptions
- 3. Emergent Metric
- 4. Weak-Field Limit
- 5. Strong-Field Saturation
- 6. Photon Sphere & Shadow
- 7. ISCO Constraint
- 8. Time Dilation as Loading
- 9. Rotating Systems
- 10. Strong-Field Lensing
- 11. Cosmological Redshift
- 12. Cosmic Background Radiation
- 13. Physical Admissibility
- 14. Dimensional Efficiency
- 15. Observational Tests
- 16. Consistency Check
- 17. Limitations
- 18. Core Insight
- 19. Conclusion
Abstract
Finite-Response Coupled Field Dynamics (FRCFD) is a non-geometric framework in which gravitational, inertial, and cosmological phenomena emerge from a finite-capacity substrate field S(x,t) coupled to a matter field Ψ.
2. Core Framework
2.1 Lagrangian
L = 1/2 (∂S)^2 − (β/4) S^4 + (∂Ψ)^2 − m^2 |Ψ|^2 − g S |Ψ|^2
2.2 Coupled Field Equations
∂²S/∂t² − c²∇²S + βS³ = g|Ψ|² ∂²Ψ/∂t² − v²∇²Ψ + (m² + gS)Ψ = 0
2.3 Response Function
f(S) = exp(−S / Smax)
2.4 Foundational Assumptions
The FRCFD framework is defined by the following minimal postulates:
- The vacuum is a finite-response substrate characterized by a scalar field S(x,t)
- The substrate has a maximum capacity Smax
- Matter fields Ψ couple to S through a local interaction term gS|Ψ|²
- Signal propagation depends on a response function f(S)
- The response function is monotonic and bounded: 0 < f(S) ≤ 1
f(S) = exp(−S / Smax)
This form ensures:
- Linear recovery for weak fields
- Finite suppression at saturation
- Path-integrable behavior
3. Emergent Metric
ds² = f(S)² dt² − f(S)⁻² dr² − r² dΩ²
4. Weak-Field Limit
f(S) ≈ 1 − S/Smax S(r) ≈ GM / r
f(S)^2 ≈ 1 − 2GM / (r Smax)
Matching GR requires:
Smax ≈ 1
6. Photon Sphere & Shadow
Derivation Condition
b^2 = r^2 / f(r)^2
d/dr [r^2 / f(r)^2] = 0
7. ISCO Constraint
The ISCO is determined by stability conditions:
- dV_eff/dr = 0
- d²V_eff/dr² = 0
Equivalent condition:
- dL²/dr = 0
11. Cosmological Redshift
dν / ν = − dS / Smax
ln(1 + z) = ∫ (S(x) / Smax) dx
This preserves phase coherence and avoids scattering-based energy loss.
16. Consistency Check
- Weak-field gravity recovered
- Light deflection matches GR limit
- Time dilation unified
- Predicts strong-field deviations
17. Limitations
- No full cosmological solution yet
- No perturbation theory
- Rotation partially modeled
- Quantum consistency unresolved
18. Core Insight
FRCFD replaces geometric ontology with:
- Geometry → Response dynamics
- Curvature → Impedance gradients
- Singularity → Saturation limits
19. Conclusion
The theory stands or falls on observation.
