Originally Posted by my_wan

1) Under SR length contraction only occurs on the X-axis of motion.

Apparent length contraction occurs from the apparent change in distance r from an observer. Imagine a large sphere traveling toward you. Looking down the axis of motion you get the standard length contraction. If you look at the sphere at some angle to this axis then the rate of decrease of r will be somewhat slower such that length contraction is somewhat less. This change in the length contraction decreases at all angles out until you view it at right angles to the direction of motion at which point you see no contraction on that axis. The velocity you use for apparent length contracton is defined by the rate of change in the radius from the observer. The end result of all the effects of the Relativity of Rigidity is always the same as if you assumed no length contraction. Even if solid objects appear to bend to accomplish this. As there are no actuall changes in parameters only changes of units it is of no value to explain the effects I have described.

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