What's up with spinning superconductors?

In summary, there have been claims that spinning superconductors can reduce gravitational fields, but these claims have not been duplicated and are considered to be fringe science. A more recent study in 2006 also showed some potential evidence, but it has not been published in mainstream press. Further research is needed to determine the validity of these claims.
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  • #2
Not a shield, a spinning mass generates a gravitational field.
AFAIK any mass should work - the superconductor is just experimental convenience.

Legit researchers at a legit institution and there is every reason to suspect that GR isn't quite correct at quantum scales.
 
  • #3
The claims on TV that I saw were even more fantastic.

They said that a spinning superconductor reduces the gravitational field above them! It was visible with even blowing smoke over the apparatus. Apparently it only worked with superconductors and people had troubles reproducing the results, since it was tough to get a large enough superconductor spin fast enough.
How to think about that?
 
  • #4
Gerenuk said:
How serious is this to be taken?
I'd say not at all. Podkletnov's 'antigravity' claims have never been duplicated and he's squarely in the "fringe science" camp and thus beyond the scope of PF.
 
  • #5
Regarding the Tajmar results of 2006 (which is what the OP's link directly referred to), I could not find any published results, only a preprint from 2006. (http://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/0603033) If the work was published in the mainstream press, PM me and I'll reopen this thread.
 

1. What is a spinning superconductor?

A spinning superconductor is a type of material that exhibits superconductivity, or the ability to conduct electricity with zero resistance, while also rotating or spinning at a constant speed. This phenomenon is known as persistent current and is a result of the material's unique properties.

2. How do spinning superconductors work?

Spinning superconductors work by creating a magnetic field through their rotation, which in turn induces an electric current in the material. This current continues to flow without encountering any resistance due to the material's superconducting properties.

3. What applications could spinning superconductors have?

Spinning superconductors have potential applications in areas such as energy storage, magnetic levitation, and high-speed transportation. They could also be used in advanced medical imaging techniques and in the development of more efficient electric motors and generators.

4. Are there any challenges in studying spinning superconductors?

Yes, there are several challenges in studying spinning superconductors. One major challenge is creating and maintaining the necessary rotation of the material, which requires precise control and stability. Additionally, the effects of temperature, magnetic fields, and other external factors must be carefully considered in experiments.

5. Are there any potential drawbacks to using spinning superconductors?

One potential drawback of using spinning superconductors is the difficulty in creating and maintaining the necessary rotation, which can be energy-intensive and expensive. Additionally, the high speeds at which the material must rotate can also be a safety concern. Further research and development are needed to address these challenges and fully realize the potential of spinning superconductors.

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