Alcubierre warp drive as time machine.

In summary, the Alcubierre warp drive is a theoretical concept proposed by physicist Miguel Alcubierre in 1994 that involves manipulating the space-time continuum to travel faster than the speed of light. It is often discussed in the context of time travel, but has not been proven possible at this point. The drive works by creating a bubble of negative energy around the spacecraft to propel it through space-time. If successful, it could revolutionize space travel, but there are also concerns about the consequences of manipulating space-time. Currently, the drive has not been tested or built, but small-scale experiments have been conducted to study its potential feasibility.
  • #1
sshai45
86
1
Hi.

I heard it's possible to use an "Alcubierre warp drive" as a time machine, if they existed. But how, precisely, would that work?
 
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  • #2
It would normally be called a "causality violation".
In general, traveling faster than light suggests the possibility of setting one up.
Read through: http://www.physicsguy.com/ftl/html/FTL_intro.html
Alcubierre drives would certainly offer the opportunity to experiment in time travel ... though I would anticipate that, should the Universe allow FTL under some special conditions, those same conditions would prevent such a violation somehow.
 

1. What is the Alcubierre warp drive?

The Alcubierre warp drive is a theoretical concept proposed by physicist Miguel Alcubierre in 1994. It is a theoretical method of traveling faster than the speed of light by manipulating the space-time continuum around a spacecraft.

2. Can the Alcubierre warp drive be used as a time machine?

The Alcubierre warp drive is often discussed in the context of time travel, as it involves manipulating space-time. However, it is important to note that the concept is purely theoretical at this point and has not been proven to be possible. Therefore, it cannot be used as a time machine at this time.

3. How does the Alcubierre warp drive work?

The Alcubierre warp drive works by creating a bubble of negative energy around the spacecraft, which contracts the space in front of it and expands the space behind it. This allows the spacecraft to essentially ride a wave of space-time, propelling it to speeds faster than the speed of light.

4. What are the potential implications of the Alcubierre warp drive?

If the Alcubierre warp drive were to be proven possible and successfully developed, it could potentially revolutionize space travel. It would allow us to reach distant planets and galaxies much faster than with current propulsion systems. However, there are also concerns about the potential consequences of manipulating space-time in this way.

5. Has the Alcubierre warp drive been tested or built?

Currently, the Alcubierre warp drive is still only a theoretical concept and has not been tested or built. Scientists are still working to understand the potential feasibility and implications of the concept. However, some small-scale experiments have been conducted to study the effects of negative energy, which is a crucial component of the Alcubierre warp drive concept.

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