Structural Tension and Recursive Potential: An Alternative Framework to Dark Matter and Dark Energy Hypotheses

[Purpose] The ΛCDM model currently faces three core tensions: galaxy rotation curve anomalies require the dark matter hypothesis, cosmic acceleration requires the dark energy hypothesis, and vacuum energy theory diverges from observations by approximately 10¹²⁰. This paper aims to propose an alternative framework that introduces no new particles, fields, or constants, deriving a unified explanatory path solely from the cross-scale extension of known physical mechanisms. [Method] Starting from the confirmed quark confinement mechanism in quantum chromodynamics (QCD)—asymptotic freedom and infrared slavery—and through a composition relationship argument (macro systems are composed of micro particles in hierarchical assembly; macro stability requires that micro structural maintenance mechanisms necessarily manifest at larger scales), this paper derives the existence of "structural tension" in macro astronomical systems. On this basis, a recursive potential flow framework is constructed, repositioning dark matter and dark energy as manifestations of structural tension at different scales. [Results] 1. Galaxy rotation curve anomalies can be explained as scale effects of structural tension rather than dark matter halo contributions; 2. Cosmic acceleration can be explained as the decay of large-scale structural tension rather than dark energy driving; 3. The 10¹²⁰ divergence in vacuum energy catastrophe can be explained as a recursive level computational boundary selection problem; 4. The separation between gravitational lensing centers and visible matter in the Bullet Cluster can be explained as differences in steady-state structural integrity rather than dark matter particle penetration; 5. The CMB can be reinterpreted as a global steady-state boundary reading of the matter layer rather than a thermal relic of the early universe; 6. All predictions can be tested against existing or near-future observational data. [Conclusion] Dark matter and dark energy are not the "missing 95%" but manifestations of recursive potential structure at the material level. From quark confinement to galaxy maintenance, from gravitational lensing to the CMB, the same structural tension mechanism operates across scales. This framework requires no new particles, fields, or constants—only the acknowledgment that the stability of macro systems is itself the cumulative manifestation of micro structural maintenance mechanisms at larger scales.