Can this work? Moving in a vacuum

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    Vacuum Work
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the plausibility of using a paddle-wheel type arm with coiled wiring to create a magnetic field for propulsion in a vacuum, specifically in the context of space travel. Participants explore the theoretical underpinnings and practical implications of this idea.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes the idea of using a paddle-wheel type arm with coiled wiring to generate a magnetic field for propulsion in space.
  • Another participant explains that a solenoid generates a magnetic field primarily at its ends, suggesting that the magnetic field outside the solenoid is effectively zero.
  • Some participants argue that a magnetic field alone cannot generate force to move the ship, stating that magnetic fields do not perform work.
  • A participant compares the idea to maglev trains, suggesting that repulsion from a larger magnetic force could be a consideration.
  • One participant states that while repulsion could theoretically work, it would require leaving the magnet behind, and the effectiveness would diminish quickly due to the decreasing field strength.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the plausibility of the proposed idea, with some asserting it is not feasible while others explore variations of the concept. No consensus is reached regarding the practicality of using magnetic fields for propulsion in a vacuum.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the assumptions about the effectiveness of magnetic fields in vacuum conditions and the practical challenges of carrying and utilizing such a system in space.

preaceps
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Can this work?? Moving in a vacuum

Okay, so i have been bugged by this idea for about a week now. And unfortunately it has been quite some time since I took any real in depth science classes. I am wondering if this idea is even plausible.

In the vacuum of space, would you be able to have a spaceship with a paddle-wheel type arm on the back. Instead of the paddles though, it is an arm with wiring coiled around it so that you can run a current through it and create a magnetic field. If that arm could be put on a rotating joint to allow say 180% movement, so as to allow for turning, would the magnetic field( if it was strong enough) be able to move the ship?

ATM i am not so much concerned with the mass, current required, or speed gained as I am as is this even possible. Also I tend to have weird ideas, so do you think that this is just completely insane? Plausible but not practical?

Thanks,
Rob
 
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If you had a wire coiled around a paddle you really just have a solenoid, the magnetic field outside the solenoid is zero for the surface of the cylinder as each component is canceled by the components generated by the next turn of wire. So there is only really a B field at either ends of the arm but one end would be the ship itself.

How would generating a magnetic field into space cause a ship or whatever to move? Magnetic fields do no work
 


No, it's not plausible.
A magnetic field in itself generates no force to move the ship.
 


Thanks guys, i don't know. I was thinking of kind of like the maglev trains. Like have the metal ship being repulsed by a larger magnetic force.
Was just an off the wall idea i had but i don't know that much about this stuff. :)
 


You want the magnetic field to repel the ship? It would work, but you couldn't carry the magnet or solenoid along with you, you'd have to leave it behind so it would push you away from it. Even then, the propulsion would be good for only a few metres before the field strength was too small to do much more. So not practicable. Myth busted.
 

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