Thomas-Wigner rotation and Thomas precession: actualized approach

Abstract

We show that the explanation of Thomas-Wigner rotation and Thomas precession (TP) in the framework of special theory of relativity (STR) contains a number of points of inconsistency, in particular, with respect to physical interpretation of the Einstein velocity composition law in successive space-time transformations. In addition, we show that the common interpretation of TP falls into conflict with the causality principle. To eliminate such a conflict, we suggest considering the velocity parameter, entering into the expression for the frequency of TP, as being always related to a rotation-free Lorentz transformation. Such an assumption (which actually resolves any causal paradoxes with respect to TP), comes however to be in contradiction with the spirit of STR. The results obtained are discussed.