QMU Gravitational Field Theory I: Propagation-Density Curvature, Closure-Flow Dynamics, and the Quantum–Gravitational Unity Limit

This paper presents the first-order formulation of QMU Gravitational Field Theory, a closure-based gravitational framework developed within the Aether Physics Model and Quantum Measurement Units. Gravity is interpreted as propagation-density curvature within conserved closure flow rather than as a force acting through empty space or as spacetime curvature treated as a primitive ontology. The theory introduces a gravitational field ledger consisting of closure density, closure-flow current, propagation potential, rotational curl-stress, and chronovibrational rate. These quantities are used to construct a conservation law, a static curvature equation, a finite-speed scalar closure-wave equation, and a weak-field Schwarzschild projection. The Newtonian inverse-square field is derived as the spherical steady-state projection of conserved closure flow. The weak-field Schwarzschild result is recovered by combining chronovibrational rate variation with spatial propagation-geometry variation. This yields the full first-order light-deflection structure and identifies the post-Newtonian spatial-curvature parameter as gamma = 1. The paper also develops the quantum--gravitational unity interpretation of the framework. Quantum states are interpreted as microscopic closure eigenstructures, while gravitational fields are interpreted as macroscopic propagation-density curvature of the same underlying Aether propagation medium. Electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and gravitation are therefore presented as different scale regimes of conserved propagation closure. Experimental handles are identified through precision clock-rate gradients, closure-flow observables, RMFD and magnetometer arrays, scalar gravitational-wave modes, optical interferometry, and QMU operator searches. The paper completes the foundational stage of the QMU gravitational field program and prepares the next phase: closure of the remaining field constants, development of the rotational sector, and construction of strong-field and multibody solutions.