Using general relativity to explain and quantify dark energy

Dark energy is a fundamental yet poorly understood component of the universe, responsible for its accelerating expansion. Observations from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) suggest that dark energy constitutes approximately 71.35% of the total energy density of the universe. This study explores a theoretical framework that derives the dark energy contribution using general relativity and Newtonian mechanics without modifying existing gravitational laws. By modelling gravitational interactions as an elastic system, we propose that potential energy stored in space transforms into kinetic energy during cosmic collapse. A novel equation, incorporating an inverse fourth power force law derived from relativistic effects, is used to compute the kinetic energy fraction in a collapsing universe. The resulting dark energy to total energy ratio is calculated as 71.5%, in close agreement with observational data. This finding suggests that dark energy can be interpreted as the stored potential energy of gravitational interactions, offering a theoretical basis within classical general relativity. These results provide a new perspective on dark energy without requiring exotic modifications to fundamental physics.