B Energy production that converts Hydrogen to Iron?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the theoretical concept of a fusion engine that converts hydrogen into iron, exploring the mass and energy implications of such a process. It highlights that while fusion does not violate physical laws, achieving direct hydrogen-to-iron conversion is practically impossible due to the complexities of nuclear fusion and the need for intermediate steps. Participants note that significant energy is released during the initial stages of fusion, particularly from deuterium to helium, but the transition to iron is less efficient and requires high temperatures and pressures. The conversation also touches on the historical context of nuclear fission and the challenges of controlling fusion reactions. Ultimately, the feasibility of this advanced technology remains highly speculative and fraught with engineering challenges.
  • #101
Devin-M said:
If we increase the mass of the ball the astronaut throws for the same throw energy, the astronaut always goes faster.
I already gave a general argument for why that is the case.
 
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  • #102
Devin-M said:
On rocket equation calculator, 37,474,057m/s exhaust velocity, initial mass 556600kg, final mass 38200kg, change in velocity 100,393,423m/s or 0.33c.

Proxima Centauri: 4.24ly
Travel Time: 12.8yrs @ 0.33c
0.33c in flat space. Better still… oberth effect near sag a*?
 
  • #103
Devin-M said:
0.33c in flat space. Better still… oberth effect near sag a*?
No. Because then you have to travel the 25 000 ly TO sag a* BEFORE using Oberth effect (and then back). AND spare fuel to use the Oberth effect at sag a*, which means that you´ll for the first leg be travelling slower than if you were not planning on using Oberth effect.
 
  • #104
For a destination such as Andromeda (2.5 Mly) would it be quicker to take this detour?
 
  • #105
That depends on your spacecraft and its propulsion system. It's possible.
 
  • #106
usernamess said:
As I stated, nuclear physics isn't my forte: I've been unable to find another source of error in my math, however I have no formal education in the subject and am not confident none exist. I would appreciate anyone deeply knowledgeable in the subject reviewing the math and identifying any further errors made.
Imo, this thread would better have been put quietly to sleep immediately after its birth. Only the fourth post should have been enough to save all this effort
ohwilleke said:
Not to rain on your parade, but while this fusion engine would not facially violate any laws of physics, as a practical matter, it is basically an engineering impossibility.
What follows in that post should be enough.
 

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