Length Contraction is normally explained by Einstein's Special Relativity. However, only until the traveling speed is close to the light speed, length contraction can not be recognized by the traveler.
On the other hand, when a human observer travels along a linear object from one end Point A (the closer end of the object) at an angle α and speed V1. Due to human visual memory (1/30 seconds), observer can see simultaneously the photon from adjacent Point A (in memory) and the photon from the far end of the object Point B (both are stationary to the reference point on the object). Therefore, a length of the object L1 (= Ct1) can be observed by the traveler which is smaller than the length of the object L (= Ct) measured on ground in the area (L1 < L).
As a result, for the same angle (α), traveler with higher speed (V1 > V2) can find larger length contraction and smaller length of object (Ct1 < Ct2). Even more, for the same speed (V2), traveler with smaller angle (β < α) can also find larger length contraction and smaller length of object (Ct3 < Ct2). However, for a very low speed (V→ 0), the length of the object observed by the traveler is about the same as that observed on ground (Ct = L). Furthermore, for any V/30 and Ct combination outside the Ct = L circle, the length of the object observed by the traveler is bigger than the length L observed on ground. In other words, Length Expansion can also be found by the observer traveling with a large angle and speed away from the object.
The length contraction is a reality, but only in a privileged reference frame (normally the laboratory). Length expansion might be correct, as seen from the contracted observer, but this is complicated by time dilation and the visual angles.
JES
the only thing, we van say, is, that it happens and can be measured, what ''really'' happens, is this. anything else is void speculation.
Edward, there's a long chain of papers on this subject that you should probably have researched and read before writing your paper.
Some highlights of the existing literature:
Article Invisibility of the Lorentz Contraction
Article The apparent shape of a relativistically moving sphere
Article Doppler Effect and Time Dilatation
http://www.phy.pmf.unizg.hr/~npoljak/files/clanci/Terrell.pdf
Article Observation of Length by a Single Observer
Article The Geometrical Appearance of Large Objects Moving at Relati...
Article The Apparent Shape Of Rapidly Moving Objects In Special Relativity
Article Geometrical Appearances at Relativistic Speeds
Article Wave front relativity
Eric Baird
Dear Eric:
Thank you for your suggestions. I did read some basic concepts of Length Contraction based on SR and GR. However, since I don't agree with SR and GR in some fundamental concepts such as Constant Light Speed, Time Dilation and Relativism, all those sophisticated theories based on SR and GR don't make any sense to me, even including Lorentz Transformation (which is also based on constant light speed).
Also, length contraction is described by physicists as a common experience observed by a high speed traveler (nowhere close to light speed), therefore, I propose it is caused by Human's Visual Memory Effect rather than SR and GR.
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