Can a Railgun-Powered Ramjet Solve the Challenges of High-Speed Travel?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the concept of a Hypervelocity Passenger Vehicle powered by a railgun and ramjet system, addressing challenges in high-speed travel. The proposed design aims to achieve speeds of Mach 8.8, but faces significant engineering hurdles, particularly with engine design and cooling systems. A key question raised is the temperature at which air could become superconductive, which is clarified as non-existent since air cannot become superconducting and would separate into different gases. The conversation highlights the need for advanced materials that can withstand extreme conditions without shattering. Overall, the feasibility of this innovative propulsion concept remains uncertain due to these scientific limitations.
BoeingJet
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Recently, I designed (in my head) a Hypervelocity Passenger Vehicle (just a cool name for really high speed transports). I immediately ran into engine design problems ( I like designing everything stand-alone), since regular jet engines can't get to Mach 8.8 without burning up into flames, and rocket engines are too polluting (and also I was obsessed with nuclear jet engines which doesn't use up any fuel whatsoever)
So I spent roughly 2 minutes having a headache before coming up with an insane solution. A railgun-powered ramjet. (I named it Excel 1) However it would require laser-cooling systems to cool the Mach 8.8 air to a temperature where it becomes superconductive before being ejected out from the end by a railgun-style pulse engine design.

My questions: At which temperature would air become superconductive?
Is it possible to make a material which could sustain that temperature without shattering?
Would it be possible?
 
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BoeingJet said:
My questions: At which temperature would air become superconductive?

There is no temperature at which air becomes superconducting. In fact, as the different gases condense into separate liquids, it ceases being air.
 
How about oxygen?
 
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@BoeingJet -- Please check your Private Messages so I can help you understand a few things about your OP. Thanks. :smile:
 

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