Can a Simple Copper Coil Device Provide Efficient EM Propulsion?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Mk
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Em Propulsion
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of creating an efficient electromagnetic (EM) propulsion device, with a focus on simple and inexpensive designs. Participants explore concepts related to homopolar generators and motors, photon momentum, and various types of electromagnetic propulsion systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the differences between homopolar generators and motors, suggesting a need for clarification on their functions.
  • Another participant proposes using photon momentum for propulsion, noting that while photons have momentum, their effectiveness for achieving significant acceleration is limited.
  • A participant expresses a desire for a propulsion method that is easy and cheap, emphasizing the need for practicality without laboratory involvement.
  • It is mentioned that photon momentum relates to electromagnetic fields and is the principle behind solar sails, indicating a connection to the broader topic of EM propulsion.
  • One participant describes the operational principles of homopolar generators and motors, highlighting their inverse relationship in converting mechanical work to electrical current and vice versa.
  • Rail guns are suggested as a viable electromagnetic propulsion device, though their complexity and practical limitations for certain applications are acknowledged.
  • A participant proposes a specific design involving a copper wire coil and a copper sheet, questioning whether this setup would function as a Thompson's Coil and if additional components are necessary.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the practicality and effectiveness of various EM propulsion methods, including photon momentum and specific device designs. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to creating an efficient EM propulsion device.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the effectiveness of photon momentum and the operational principles of homopolar devices may not be fully explored. The practicality of proposed designs, such as the copper coil setup, is also uncertain.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in experimental physics, engineering, and DIY projects related to electromagnetic propulsion may find this discussion relevant.

Mk
Messages
2,040
Reaction score
4
Any ideas for an easy cheap EM propulsion device? Is a homopolar generator the same thing as a homopolar motor?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
use the momentum of a photon to propell yourself. Thats the great thing about photons, they have no rest mass but they do have momentum. The problem is that the momentum is not great enough to achieve great accelerations.

Regards,

Nenad
 
I was thinking more along the lines of electricity and magnetism. I don't know if you were serious or not with that, photon acceleration, but I want something EASY and CHEAP, that I can do without contacting a major laboratory.

-Thanks, Mk
 
Mk, photon momentum i.e. radiation pressure is a result of the electromagnetic field (rather than a particle) carrying energy. This is how a solar sail works. It doesn't get any more electromagnetic than photons.

A homopolar generator is the reverse of a homopolar motor. As a generator, it converts mechanical work to electrical current, and as a motor it converts electrical current to mechanical energy (the same relationship applies to any basic motor-generator combo).

Rail guns are an excellent electromagnetic propulsion device. The physics of how they operate is semi-complex, so I will refer you to google. Regardless, rail guns are only practical for accelerating highly rigid objects.
 
Well, I know the photon is as electromagnetic-related as you can get, but I was thinking more along the lines of homopolar motors, rail guns, coil guns, and such.

-Thanks, Mk
 
If I made a copper wire coil around a metal tube, and a circular cuttout of a copper sheet, with a hole in the middle, slipped the coil-tube combo through the hole, and ran electricity through the middle coil, would that function as a Thompson's Coil? Or does it take more?
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Undergrad Mechanism of Energy Conservation in Zero-Amplitude Sum of EM Waveforms
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
Undergrad Wire loop in a static homogeneous field question
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Graduate Curious question regarding Faraday disc / induction, etc.
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Graduate Experiment to measure EM waves
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Graduate PPMT, Magnetic Flux Switch, electro-permanent magnet generator
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Remarkable New Marine Propulsion Systems
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Undergrad Where Can I Find a High-Turn Solenoid for Low Current and Strong Magnetic Field?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Increasing motor efficiency to reduce energy consumption?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad How Can I Build a DIY High Vacuum System Using Copper Instead of Glass?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Superconducting motor thought experiment/ questions
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K