Dark Matter as a Screening Artifact of 5D Spacetime Dynamics

Abstract

We propose an alternative framework for galactic rotation curves and gravitational dynamics without invoking particle dark matter, formulated within a 5-dimensional Kaluza-Klein scalar tensor geometry. By introducing a force-density screening mechanism acting as a dynamical self-brake in high density environments the extra dimensional scalar force is strongly suppressed in laboratories, the solar system, and neutron stars, successfully satisfying all local equivalence principle and gravitational wave constraints (cg = c). Conversely, in lowdensity galactic peripheries, the screening lifts, allowing the extra dimensional geometric degrees of freedom to naturally account for flat galactic rotation curves. This framework offers a self consistent, ghost/free alternative to standard cold dark matter paradigms.