Is There a Connection Between Gravity and the Casimir Effect?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the potential relationship between gravity and the Casimir effect, examining whether variations in gravitational force could influence the Casimir effect. Participants raise questions about the nature of the Casimir effect, its potential repulsive properties, and the implications of gravity on experimental outcomes. The conversation includes theoretical considerations, experimental inquiries, and personal interpretations of existing literature.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the force of the Casimir effect may vary with changes in Earth's gravitational force, questioning if this is a known effect or if it has been disproven.
  • One participant inquires about calculating the distance at which the Casimir effect transitions from attractive to repulsive.
  • Another participant suggests that the transition between attractive and repulsive states of the Casimir effect is related to the materials' permittivity and permeability rather than distance alone.
  • There are claims regarding research at Tampere University of Technology suggesting an anti-gravity device utilizing the Casimir effect, although the relevance of this claim is debated.
  • Some participants assert that the Casimir effect is always attractive, while others reference literature indicating that it can be repulsive under certain conditions.
  • Discussion includes the idea that gravity may influence the strength of the Casimir effect by altering particle wavelengths and concentrations.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the implications of gravitational forces on the Casimir effect, particularly regarding the relationship between large and small masses.
  • There are calls for clarification on the dynamics of a repulsive Casimir effect, with some participants indicating they hold differing views on its existence.
  • References to ongoing research by Ephraim Fischbach are made, suggesting a connection between gravity variations and Casimir forces, particularly in unexplored scales.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement and disagreement regarding the nature of the Casimir effect and its relationship with gravity. Some assert that the Casimir effect is always attractive, while others reference potential repulsive scenarios. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views on the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of consensus in existing literature regarding the relationship between gravity and the Casimir effect, as well as the need for further experimental evidence to clarify these interactions. There are mentions of specific conditions under which the Casimir effect may behave differently, but these remain speculative.

elas
Articles on the Casimir effect do not mention any relationship between gravity and the Casimir effect although an article on (http://physicsweb.org/articles/world/15/9/6) does mention ongoing experiments using different materials to neutralize the local gravity.

I have come across a gravity/Casimir effect relationship that might be just a mathematical coincidence or it might be applicable to current studies; it implies that the force of the Casimir effect should vary with changes in the Earth’s gravitational force affecting the experiment.
I should like to know if this is a known or predictable effect, or if it has already been proven to be incorrect. Have separate experiments (preferably using the same equipment), been conducted on the Earth's surface and repeated in deep mines or space?

Please keep in mind that I have no professional training and do my work using linear (not quantum) physics, so replies need to be simple.
 
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Please, I also need to know how to calculate at what distance the Casimir effect changes from attractive to repulsive?
 
I did a ctrl f to search for the word gravity and did not get a result. I did read that fluctuations in temperature may alter the results but not gravity.

"...at what distance the Casimir effect changes from attractive to repulsive?"

My understanding is that is has to do with materials of certain permittivity and permeability rather that it changing from one to the other outright/ with distance.
 
Researchers at the Tampere University of Technology in Finland claim to have an anti-gravity device using the Casimir effect. NASA is interested, so there may be something to it.

Linky thingy: http://members.fortunecity.com/templarser/antigrav.html


Edit- Casimir effect is not discussed in the link. I'm confusing my articles - if I find the other link I'll post it.
 
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elas said:
the Casimir effect changes from attractive to repulsive?
When is the Casimir effect repulsive?
 
Casimir effect is always attractive. :/
Also, how can it be used to neutralize gravity. :/ It is a symmterical force, acting in both directions and it can't be limited to one direction.

P.S. Gravity might have an effect on strength of the casimir effect since it alters the wavelength of particles and casimir effect is a result of difference in particle concentration between the plates and outside them.
 
Mk

The quote I give in italics is dated 2003 and mentions the possible repulsive effect, it is by no means the only mention of a repulsive Casimir effect

according to Wikpedia:
"Further research has shown that, with materials of certain permittivity and permeability, or with a certain configuration, the Casimir effect can be repulsive instead of attractive".



Ryoukomaru

The quote also makes clear the uncertainty surrounding the current understanding of the Casimir effect. I am trying to decide whether the constant I show in the table is or is not of some value in the debate about the Casimir effect.

Four or more bodies (large mass or particles) have a common centre of gravity; is it, or is it not of value to know that the gravitational force between the two largest is related to the Casimir force between the two smallest? Does this indicate that gravitons have a particle field structure with a central ZP, in the same manner as say, baryons or atoms; only on a much larger scale.
 
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Well, will someone please describe the dynamics of a repulsive Casimir effect? I think me and Ryoukomaru are still on the side that says otherwise.
 
  • #10
Well, will someone please describe the dynamics of a repulsive Casimir effect? I think me and Ryoukomaru are still on the side that says otherwise.

All I can reply is that the experts state that the repulsive force is there. My own opinion enters areas that always result in the forum being closed down. I am not going there at present because I want to keep this discussion going, on the Casimir effect and the significance, if any, of the constant.

If you want to think further on the subject, recall that both the strong force and the magnetic force have a repulsive effect and ask if there is a common factor at work in all natural forces. Think of a rubber ball, pull to expand, push to compress; and each time you create an opposing force; hence force and anti-force, but what is the rubber?
 
  • #11
elas said:
Articles on the Casimir effect do not mention any relationship between gravity and the Casimir effect although an article on (http://physicsweb.org/articles/world/15/9/6) does mention ongoing experiments using different materials to neutralize the local gravity.

I have come across a gravity/Casimir effect relationship that might be just a mathematical coincidence or it might be applicable to current studies; it implies that the force of the Casimir effect should vary with changes in the Earth’s gravitational force affecting the experiment.
I should like to know if this is a known or predictable effect, or if it has already been proven to be incorrect. Have separate experiments (preferably using the same equipment), been conducted on the Earth's surface and repeated in deep mines or space?

Please keep in mind that I have no professional training and do my work using linear (not quantum) physics, so replies need to be simple.

Ephraim Fischbach has been working on variations in the way gravity changes at scales or places wher has not been measured with sufficent precision at least since 18 years before. Some titles, (and you can find it in arxiv) are "IMPROVED TESTS OF EXTRA-DIMENSIONAL PHYSICS AND THERMAL QUANTUM FIELD THEORY FROM NEW CASIMIR FORCES MEASUREMENT", "SEARCHING FOR EXTRA DIMENSIONS AND NEW-STRING INSPIRED FORCES IN THE CASIMIR REGIME", and more, maybe it can be useful for you. Actually, the same person (Fischbach) where making experiments to test in deep mines the change in gravitation. In fact that things of "searching extra-dimensions" is to measure the change in the way gravity changes at low scales, and is related with your questions. :wink:

Regards.
 
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  • #12
Rebel

Dissapointed to find I am not first.
Delighted to find I am not the complete nutcase some subscribers said I was.
Your reply is exactly what I was looking for.
Thanks and thanks again,
elas
 

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