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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of a railgun-powered ramjet for high-speed travel, specifically addressing the challenges of engine design for speeds reaching Mach 8.8. Participants explore theoretical concepts related to superconductivity and material properties in extreme conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a railgun-powered ramjet design, suggesting the need for laser-cooling systems to achieve superconductivity in air at high speeds.
  • Another participant asserts that air cannot become superconductive, noting that it ceases to be air as gases condense into liquids.
  • A subsequent question is raised about the superconductivity of oxygen specifically.
  • A later post indicates that the thread is closed for moderation, suggesting potential issues with the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the superconductivity of air, with one claiming it is impossible while another seeks clarification regarding oxygen. The discussion remains unresolved with competing perspectives on the feasibility of the proposed design.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of consensus on the properties of air and oxygen under extreme conditions, as well as the undefined parameters for the proposed railgun-powered ramjet concept.

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?
 
Thread closed for Moderation...
 
@BoeingJet -- Please check your Private Messages so I can help you understand a few things about your OP. Thanks. :smile:
 

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