Can Vacuum-Filled Blimps Revolutionize Air Travel?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using vacuum-filled blimps as a potential alternative to traditional air travel methods. Participants explore theoretical concepts related to buoyancy, the use of electromagnetic fields for balloon expansion, and the implications of helium availability.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that blimps could be revived if filled with vacuum instead of hydrogen or helium, suggesting that vacuum is the lightest substance and could offer advantages in buoyancy.
  • Concerns are raised regarding the practicality of expanding blimp balloons electromagnetically, with a request for sources to support this idea.
  • There is a discussion about the density differences between helium and vacuum, with some arguing that the advantages of using vacuum over helium are minimal and that the disadvantages may be significant.
  • Questions are posed about the availability of helium, including its depletion timeline and whether it should be a concern for large-scale blimp operations.
  • One participant challenges the feasibility of the electromagnetic expansion concept, arguing that without a concrete method, the idea remains speculative and lacks realism.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the viability of vacuum-filled blimps and the practicality of electromagnetic balloon expansion. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus reached on the feasibility of the proposed ideas.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include a lack of specific sources or detailed methodologies for the proposed electromagnetic expansion of balloons, as well as uncertainties regarding the practical implications of using vacuum in blimp design.

GTOM
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I wonder could blimps come back if they arent filled with explosive hydrogen, neither with rare helium, but simply with vacuum, the lightest substance? Theoretically its possible to expand their balloons electromagnetically.
According to TV tropes, square cube law don't affect blimps so hard as helicopters, so while they would be slow, but they could be huge and reliable.
 
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GTOM said:
Theoretically its possible to expand their balloons electromagnetically.
Do you have a source discussing this?

Helium has a very low density compared to air, the difference to a vacuum is tiny. Where is the advantage? The disadvantages are huge.
 
mfb said:
Do you have a source discussing this?

Helium has a very low density compared to air, the difference to a vacuum is tiny. Where is the advantage? The disadvantages are huge.

There are estimations about how long until fossils, uranium depleted. Is there any estimation how much time until helium depleted? As far as i know, it is only a tiny percent of fossil gases. Or shouldn't i worry about its availability even if we needed huge amounts to fill blimps?

I don't have an exact source about expand balloons electromagnetically, but if EM fields can repel each other, is there anything prevent such use?
 
GTOM said:
I don't have an exact source about expand balloons electromagnetically, but if EM fields can repel each other, is there anything prevent such use?
Practical reality? Seriously, what you are saying is just handwaving; it's backwards logic. Things are possible when demonstrated to be possible, not when "is there anything to prevent" it. If you don't have a specific idea of how this might be done, then it can't be realistically claimed to be possible.

Thread locked.
 

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