How fast would an electric motor spin in space?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of electric motors in space, particularly focusing on their spinning speed, friction, and heat management in a vacuum environment. Participants explore theoretical implications and practical considerations of electric motors operating without atmospheric conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether an electric motor in space would spin faster due to the absence of friction and wonders if it could reach light speed.
  • Another participant notes that electric motors in space function similarly to those on Earth, implying that existing technology supports this claim.
  • Concerns are raised about the friction within the motor not being significantly reduced in a vacuum and microgravity environment.
  • Multiple participants express the idea that overheating could occur without an atmosphere to facilitate heat transfer, leading to potential failure of the motor.
  • It is suggested that while radiative cooling is possible, it is relatively slow and may not prevent overheating, with some components potentially failing before an explosion occurs.
  • One participant reflects on their limited understanding of heat, indicating a personal exploration of the concept in relation to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the implications of operating electric motors in space, with multiple competing views on the effects of friction, heat management, and the potential for overheating.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the behavior of electric motors in space, the mechanisms of heat transfer, and the limitations of radiative cooling, which remain unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the practical applications of electric motors in space, thermodynamics, and the effects of vacuum conditions on mechanical systems may find this discussion relevant.

tackyattack
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If you had an electric motor in space how fast would it spin since there is no friction? Would it build up to light speed?
 
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There are lots of electric motors in space (all those satellites and their mechanisms...) and they behave exactly the same as on Earth.
 
Being in a vacuum and 0g does very little to reduce the friction inside a motor.
 
Wouldn't it overheat easily without any atmosphere to transfer internal heat?
 
LostConjugate said:
Wouldn't it overheat easily without any atmosphere to transfer internal heat?

Yes it would.
 
Drakkith said:
Yes it would.

So the only way for the object to cool would be to expand. You would expect that any mechanical unit in space would explode eventually with no way to remove the heat.
 
LostConjugate said:
So the only way for the object to cool would be to expand. You would expect that any mechanical unit in space would explode eventually with no way to remove the heat.
1] There's no conduction and no convection, true, but there's still radiation, which is the method by which objects in vacuum transfer heat. But radiative cooling is comparatively slow.

2] While parts of the object will expand with heat, it will not go on indefinitely, and will not almost certainly not result in explosion. At some point, the heat will cause a part to fail - it might simply be a CB component burns out. The device stops working and stops producing heat.
 
DaveC426913 said:
1] There's no conduction and no convection, true, but there;s still radiation, which is hte meothd by which objects in vacuum transfer heat. But radiative cooling is compartively slow.

2] While parts of the object will expand with heat, it will not go on indefinitely, and will not almost certainly not result in explosion. At some point, the heat will cause a part to fail - it might simply be a CB component burns out. The device stops working and stops producing heat.

That is much more logical. Thanks.
 
LostConjugate said:
So the only way for the object to cool would be to expand. You would expect that any mechanical unit in space would explode eventually with no way to remove the heat.

My understanding of heat is limited to my oven and summer time.

Pretty cool to consider what heat is.
 

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