Constatly accelerating spacecraft

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on calculating spacecraft acceleration under constant 1 gee conditions using both Galilean mechanics and relativity. The user seeks to determine subjective and externally measured time, as well as the real final velocity for a spacecraft traveling a known distance with constant acceleration. Key equations mentioned include T = √(2D/A) and v_final = √(2AD), with a reference to a relevant resource on relativity from John Baez's website. The user also inquires about the derivation of these equations, suggesting a deeper exploration of the underlying physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Galilean mechanics
  • Familiarity with special relativity concepts
  • Basic knowledge of kinematic equations
  • Ability to interpret physics literature, specifically equations related to acceleration and time dilation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of relativistic equations for constant acceleration
  • Learn about time dilation effects in special relativity
  • Explore the implications of acceleration on subjective versus objective time
  • Review the relevant sections (p. 240-242) of the recommended physics book for deeper insights
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, physicists, and hobbyists interested in advanced propulsion technologies and the effects of relativity on space travel will benefit from this discussion.

{~}
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This is not a homework problem. It is personal project of mine. Pleases help

Say you have a spacecraft that for some advanced propulsion technology is able to accelerate at 1 gee or more indefinitely. This allows the crew walk around as in a gravity and, I think, permit slower than travel between the stars without the crew dying of old age.

You know the distance to your destination and you know the acceleration the crew experiences is constant.

To simplify things assume no deceleration leg. Once we figure out how to calculate that a more realistic flight should be trivial to extrapolate.

Using Galilean mechanics I would;

T = \sqrt{ \frac{2 D}{A}}

and

v_{final} = \sqrt{2 A D}

but I want to see how relativity comes into play. The speed in the second equation isn't real and can only be found by mixing reference frames (the non length contracted distance over subjective time).

I want to find both subjective and externally measured time as well as the real final velocity. We have non-relativistic distance and subjective acceleration.

Anyone?
 
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Good page on this very subject here:

http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics/Relativity/SR/rocket.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Ah thank you. Your link will help me complete my project. I am curious though if anyone knows how one arrives at such equations.
 
{~} said:
Ah thank you. Your link will help me complete my project. I am curious though if anyone knows how one arrives at such equations.
Well, you could start with p. 240-242 of this book for several of those equations.
 
In an inertial frame of reference (IFR), there are two fixed points, A and B, which share an entangled state $$ \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}(|0>_A|1>_B+|1>_A|0>_B) $$ At point A, a measurement is made. The state then collapses to $$ |a>_A|b>_B, \{a,b\}=\{0,1\} $$ We assume that A has the state ##|a>_A## and B has ##|b>_B## simultaneously, i.e., when their synchronized clocks both read time T However, in other inertial frames, due to the relativity of simultaneity, the moment when B has ##|b>_B##...

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