Expansion‑Defined Relativity (EDR): A Conceptual Framework for Time, Gravity, and Cosmic Structure

Version 9 is a minor update that clarifies the GR‑compatible interpretation by introducing a formalised conceptual roadmap in place of the earlier exploratory mathematical outline. It retains the candidate form of the Expansion-Defined Relativity (EDR) master equation introduced in version 8, providing the first concrete mathematical expression of the framework's core axioms. The candidate equation takes the form of a scalar wave equation mathematically intuitive and workable with standard field-theory tools, making exploratory mathematical investigation readily accessible without requiring the full apparatus of general relativity. This version represents the first stable version of the work, and future updates will be driven only by major conceptual or mathematical advances.

EDR is an alternative conceptual framework exploring whether a single underlying mechanism - differential expansion setting the local rate of time - may explain several persistent observational tensions within modern cosmology. These include the Hubble tension, unexpectedly mature early galaxies observed by the James Webb Space Telescope, galaxy rotation behaviour, galactic evolution, and aspects of large-scale cosmic structure, reducing the need for additional dark components.

The framework recovers General Relativity's well-tested behaviour in weak-field regimes while introducing a single unifying axiom: the local rate of spatial expansion determines the local rate of time. In essence: "Matter tells space how to expand; expansion tells matter how to move."

The paper also identifies a potentially novel connection between three independently measured Solar System anomalies as a unified galactic gradient signature, testable via meta-analysis of existing datasets without new observations.

The work is presented as a conceptual framework intended to stimulate discussion, further development, and formal mathematical investigation. Questions are welcome, and researchers or graduate students interested in foundational questions surrounding gravity, cosmology, or the nature of time are warmly invited to explore the framework. If you see potential in this direction, I would be glad to discuss possible avenues for collaborative work or deeper mathematical formalisation.

Contact:
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/David-Suttle-2
Website: https://edr.suttle.me.uk
Email: edr@suttle.me.uk