MK-DARK-LAW at Galactic Scales: An Empirical Classification of Inner-Gated Acceleration Discrepancies

This manuscript presents an empirical analysis of galactic-scale acceleration discrepancies using publicly available rotation-curve and mass-model data from the SPARC database (Lelli et al. 2016). The work introduces a radius-conditioned classification of the residual acceleration structure observed in disk galaxies. The analysis does not propose a modification of general relativity, a MOND-like dynamical law, or a new particle hypothesis. Instead, it provides a conservative, falsification-driven empirical characterization of reproducible inner–outer structure in acceleration space. A diagnostic scalar, λg, is defined to quantify outer-region acceleration discrepancies. Cross-validation indicates that λg is not reducible to standard baryonic or halo scalar parameters, reinforcing its role as an independent descriptive diagnostic of galactic dynamics. The work is positioned relative to existing empirical frameworks such as the radial acceleration relation (McGaugh et al. 2016; Lelli et al. 2017), but addresses an orthogonal question: the radial structure of the acceleration residual profile itself. All data used in this study are publicly available. No new observational data were generated. Submission status: This manuscript has been submitted for peer review to Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS). The Zenodo version is provided as a preprint for transparency and scholarly discussion during the review process. Justin Richer Fusion OS Innovations Inc.