Metric Strain Cosmology (Vol. I): A Localized Scalar Field Resolution to the Hubble Tension

What This Paper Is About Cosmologists are currently facing a major puzzle called the Hubble Tension. Measurements of how fast the early universe was expanding don't match measurements taken from our local neighborhood in space. Most solutions require changing the fundamental laws of physics or assuming one set of measurements is wrong. Metric Strain Cosmology (MSC) offers a simpler answer: what if both measurements are right, but space just behaves slightly differently depending on where you look? This framework shows that in the "boundary layers" surrounding large galaxy clusters—where strong gravity drops off into empty space—space expands just a little bit faster. Inside high-density galaxy clusters, standard gravity works exactly as Einstein predicted. Far out in empty cosmic voids, space expands at the normal background rate. But right at the edges of these clusters, a "metric strain" creates a localized boost in expansion that explains why our local neighborhood appears to expand faster. What Is Inside the 19-Page Document Complete Mathematical Proofs: The full field-theoretic equations showing how scalar fields and gravitational gradients create this local expansion boost. 3D Visualizations & Diagrams: Custom diagrams illustrating the three distinct spatial zones and how structure growth changes near cluster boundaries. Testable Telescope Targets: Concrete, measurable numbers that upcoming astronomical surveys (like DESI, JWST, and ALMA) can look for to prove or disprove this theory. Author's Note "I write this not as a mathematician, physicist, or academic scientist (nor claiming to be one), but simply as an abundantly curious mind attempting to ask the right questions." How to Request the Full PDF This document is currently shared privately for early review, discussion, and feedback. To receive the complete 19-page manuscript: Click the Request Access button on this page. Include a short note with your name and why you are interested in reading the manuscript.