Antigravity like soluctions of Einstein equations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of antigravity solutions derived from Einstein's equations, particularly focusing on a paper by Franklin Felber that proposes a new solution for the orbits of particles near ultrarelativistic central fields. The implications for space travel near the speed of light are explored, along with skepticism regarding the practicality and validity of the claims made in the paper.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference Felber's paper, suggesting it presents a novel solution that could lead to gravitomagnetic effects and potential energy savings for near-light-speed travel.
  • Others express skepticism about the practicality of the proposed antigravity solution, questioning the feasibility of utilizing it without entering a black hole's event horizon.
  • A participant highlights concerns about the sensationalism surrounding Felber's claims, citing potentially irresponsible public relations efforts that may mislead the public about the implications of the research.
  • There is mention of the challenges posed by relativistic objects, such as black holes, and the unclear methods for safely harnessing energy from them as suggested by Felber's work.
  • Some participants critique the credibility of the peer review process associated with Felber's research, particularly due to the affiliations of the reviewers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; there are competing views regarding the validity and practicality of Felber's antigravity solutions, with some expressing optimism and others raising significant doubts.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unclear methodologies for utilizing the proposed solutions, dependence on specific conditions (such as proximity to black holes), and the potential for exaggerated claims in promotional materials.

Sauron
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http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/gr-qc/pdf/0505/0505099.pdf

Franklin Felber says in this paper that for the first time has obtained the solution of the orbits of a particle near an ultrarelativistic central field (in second order of aproximation).

This leads to the gravitomagnetic aproximation and to some kind of gravitatory repulsión in certain circunstances.

Theoretically if some favorable celestial body (star) would be found that would allow drastic restrictions in the fuel necessary to acerlerate a ship to near of light speeds.

Well, ¿do you think it is really worthin or simply NASA publicity? (the author works for NASA).
 
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Physics news on Phys.org
Exact solution of gravitational field equation

http://www.physorg.com/news10789.html
New antigravity solution will enable space travel near speed of light by the end of this century, he predicts.
On Tuesday, Feb. 14, noted physicist Dr. Franklin Felber will present his new exact solution of Einstein's 90-year-old gravitational field equation to the Space Technology and Applications International Forum (STAIF) in Albuquerque. The solution is the first that accounts for masses moving near the speed of light.
 
If you have to wind up inside the event horizon of a black hole to utilize it, "antigravity" just isn't going to be very useful.

I do suspect that it is possible to gain some energy from a passing relativistic black hole via gravity without running into the event horizon, but the paper unfortunately doesn't make it very clear how this would be done. And it probably does not involve "antigravity" in any event.

What's really annoying about this is not the paper itself, but the associated irresponsible PR that's being encouraged by the authors and "peer reviewers".

Here is an example of the sort of statements that I think are irresponsible hype:

Felber's antigravity discovery solves the two greatest engineering challenges to space travel near the speed of light: identifying an energy source capable of producing the acceleration; and limiting stresses on humans and equipment during rapid acceleration.

"Dr. Felber's research will revolutionize space flight mechanics by offering an entirely new way to send spacecraft into flight," said Dr. Eric Davis, Institute for Advanced Studies at Austin and STAIF peer reviewer of Felber's work. "His rigorously tested and truly unique thinking has taken us a huge step forward in making near-speed-of-light space travel safe, possible, and much less costly."

If I want to hitch a ride to Alpha Centuari via a passing black hole without being crushed by the singularity, this paper doesn't make it clear how to do that. Getting in front of the BH just isn't a Good Idea.

There is also a (perhaps fortunate) lack of relativistic black holes passing near the Earth in any event, so working out the details of how to "hitch a ride" wouldn't be all that useful in any pragmatic sense.

BTW, having a "peer reviewer" associated with the "Institute of Advanced studies" (i.e Puthoff, et al) is NOT a good thing if one wants one's work to be taken seriously by the mainstream.
 
"His rigorously tested and truly unique thinking has taken us a huge step forward in making near-speed-of-light space travel safe...

...at speeds where a speck of dust in your path becomes the mass of a boulder!:eek: Yea, real 'safe':biggrin:
Not to worry...it has been ''rigorously tested'...:smile:

I wonder how many specks of dust you will encounter between here and Mars?:-p