Paper IV Space Damping, Inertial Dynamics, and the Speed of Light Limit

This is Paper IV of the Planck Deformation Unit Space Theory (PDUST) series. It establishes a unified framework for space damping, inertial dynamics, and the speed of light limit based on the intrinsic damping of deformation units. Key contributions include: - A first-principles derivation of the Lorentz factor from the rebound wave pursuit mechanism - Unified damping forces: low-speed F_drag = η_0 v and high-speed F_drag = η_0 γ³ v - A critical distinction between field translation (uniform motion, no net damping) and field deformation (acceleration, produces damping) - Complete derivation of the kinetic energy equation - Cosmological upper bound on the damping rate: Γ ≲ 2.3 × 10⁻¹⁸ s⁻¹ Inertia is interpreted as the low-speed approximation of space damping. The speed of light limit arises naturally as the damping force diverges when v → c. This theory provides a microscopic physical mechanism for the core mathematical structure of special relativity.