Motorized Watercraft on a Hyperdimensional Planet

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In summary, motorized watercraft on a hyperdimensional planet allow for efficient and speedy transportation across bodies of water. These advanced vessels are equipped with powerful engines and advanced navigation systems that enable them to navigate the complex terrain of a hyperdimensional planet. This technology greatly benefits inhabitants of these planets, allowing them to travel long distances in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods. However, strict regulations and guidelines must be followed to ensure the safety of both the operators and the environment on these unique worlds.
  • #1
Hornbein
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Consider a ship with a propeller. A propeller has to be perpendicular to the way you want the ship to move. It has to be perpendicular to the forward direction. In 3D that means that the propeller rotates in the right-up plane.

In 4D we have other choices. The ana-right plane is also perpendicular to the forward direction. The propeller could rotate in that plane. That means a horizontal propeller. Such a ship would be able to operate in shallower water, so it seems like the clear choice.

(In 4D the dimensions are up, forward, right, and ana. Only up is vertical, all others are horizontal. So the right-ana plane is horizontal.)
 
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My limited understanding: For a 3D ship, the axis of rotation of the propeller has to point in the direction you want to go. If you simply rotate the propeller so the axis of rotation is along the 4th dimension then you'll just apply a torque to the ship and rotate it, just like rotating the propeller so it points to the right instead of forward.
 
  • #3
In 4D the "axis of rotation" concept applies only in special cases. A freely rotating body has no axis of rotation, instead it has two planes of rotation. In the case of a drive shaft for a propeller you fashion and constrain it so that it has only one possible plane of rotation. But then it doesn't have a unique axis. There is a whole plane of directions in which you have prevented it from rotating.

4D propellers confused me for a long time. The thrust has to go in a direction perpendicular to the plane of rotation, but there are a full 360 degrees of perpendicular directions. Which one? Is it stable? I thought it would be necessary to use ducted propellers. Then someone came along and pointed out it was possible to shape the blades of the propeller to push the water in one particular direction. Oh.

In this case, the propeller can be shaped so that the thrust goes any direction or directions in the forward-up plane. Forward only is the direction you want.
 
  • #4
Is the ship and propeller 3D or 4D?
 
  • #6
Drakkith said:
Is the ship and propeller 3D or 4D?
We are in the 4D Universe so every object is 4D.
 
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  • #7
Hornbein said:
We are in the 4D Universe so every object is 4D.
Ah, my mistake. Got any good references for this topic?
 

1. What is a hyperdimensional planet?

A hyperdimensional planet is a theoretical concept that suggests the existence of additional dimensions beyond the three dimensions of space (length, width, and height) that we are familiar with. These additional dimensions are believed to exist at a smaller scale and could potentially affect the behavior of objects and phenomena on a hyperdimensional planet.

2. How do motorized watercraft operate on a hyperdimensional planet?

The exact mechanics of how motorized watercraft would operate on a hyperdimensional planet are still unknown. However, it is likely that they would need to be specially designed and equipped to navigate through the additional dimensions and account for their effects on the water and the vessel itself.

3. Are there any potential dangers or challenges associated with using motorized watercraft on a hyperdimensional planet?

Yes, there could be potential dangers and challenges associated with using motorized watercraft on a hyperdimensional planet. The additional dimensions could potentially cause disruptions in the water's flow and create unpredictable conditions for the vessel. Additionally, the technology and materials used to build the motorized watercraft would need to be carefully selected to withstand the effects of the additional dimensions.

4. How would motorized watercraft impact the environment on a hyperdimensional planet?

It is difficult to predict the exact impact of motorized watercraft on a hyperdimensional planet without more information about the planet's specific characteristics. However, it is possible that the vessel's movement and disturbance of the water could have a significant impact on the surrounding ecosystem and potentially disrupt any life forms that may exist on the planet.

5. Is there any current research or development being done on motorized watercraft for use on a hyperdimensional planet?

At this time, there is no known research or development being done specifically for motorized watercraft on a hyperdimensional planet. However, there is ongoing research in the fields of theoretical physics and astrophysics that may provide insights into the potential use and design of such vessels in the future.

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