The Elastic Space Paradigm: A Wave-Based Reconstruction of Physics Foundations, Predictions, and Testable Consequences

This work synthesizes a complete paradigm developed across multiple interconnected publications, and we propose a paradigm where space itself is the fundamental, elastic medium. This framework rehabilitates an absolute reference frame while fully preserving the mathematical formalism of Special Relativity as an effective observational theory. The model replaces the postulate of a featureless vacuum with three physical principles: space elasticity, wave-matter identity, and energy-conserving In/Out wave circulation. From these we derive a self-consistent field theory where particles emerge as localized standing waves and photons as self-propelled dipoles. The paradigm provides mechanistic explanations for core principles: velocity and kinetic energy are geometric deformation states of matter waves, and the equivalence of inertial and gravitational mass follows from their common origin in total deformation energy. Crucially, it yields testable predictions that distinguish it from standard physics, including an asymmetric outcome for the symmetric Twin Paradox scenario and measurable asymmetries in high-energy ion collisions. This work offers a realist, wave-based foundation for reconciling quantum non-locality, relativistic effects, and gravitational interaction.