Hyperdrive Feasibility: German and US Army Developments | New Scientist

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of hyperdrive technology, specifically referencing developments by German scientist Burkhard Heim and ongoing projects by the US Army. The New Scientist article highlights the challenges of generating a magnetic field strong enough to counteract Earth's gravitational pull, with estimates suggesting a requirement of 25 tesla for a 150-ton spacecraft. Skepticism exists regarding the practicality of Heim's theories, particularly in light of current technological limitations, such as the 12 tesla threshold for steady-state superconducting magnets.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Burkhard Heim's theories on hyperdrive technology
  • Familiarity with magnetic field strength measurements (tesla)
  • Knowledge of superconducting magnet technology and its limitations
  • Awareness of current military interest in advanced propulsion systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Burkhard Heim's hyperdrive theories and their implications
  • Investigate advancements in superconducting magnet technology, particularly at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
  • Explore the potential military applications of advanced propulsion systems
  • Examine peer-reviewed papers that critique or support Heim's theories
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, physicists, military strategists, and researchers interested in advanced propulsion technologies and theoretical physics will benefit from this discussion.

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Nevek said:
Ok i send this topic only for information about that topic. If some one have information and plan about that just post your reply. For Instance I got something interesting about that topic. A german have worked on an hyperdrive system and the US army is now working on a feasibility project. Here the link: http://www.newscientist.com/channel/fundamentals/mg18925331.200-take-a-leap-into-hyperspace.html
If the German is Heim, then some of us have heard of the work.

I'm in the camp of skeptics. It's not proven and the New Scientist article doesn't give much to quell the skepticism. It would be nice if the article cited specific papers.

Some problems I see - "Dröscher and Häuser say that to completely counter Earth's pull on a 150-tonne spacecraft a magnetic field of around 25 tesla would be needed. While that's 500,000 times the strength of Earth's magnetic field, pulsed magnets briefly reach field strengths up to 80 tesla." Steady state fields in superconducting magnets have threshold of about 12 T before they loose their ability to maintain the field.

Scientists at National High Magnetic Field Laboratory have constructed a pulse magnet which generates a field up to 60T, but I believe that is within a small cavity. It is also a transient phenomenon.

Developing the 60-tesla magnet was a challenge for engineers. The magnetic forces are so strong they want to rip apart the magnet, which is why the electromagnetic coils must be wrapped in steel blankets. The outer coil is large enough for a person or two to fit inside; the central core, where the samples are placed for study, is but a few inches across.

I've not heard or read of any substantiation of Heim's theory. Nevertheless, the NASA and US Defense Department are always interested in alternative ideas/theories.
 
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Astronuc said:
If the German it Heim, then some of us have heard of the work.

I'm in the camp of skeptics. It's not proven and the New Scientist article doesn't give much to quell the skepticism. It would be nice if the article cited specific papers.

Some problems I see - "Dröscher and Häuser say that to completely counter Earth's pull on a 150-tonne spacecraft a magnetic field of around 25 tesla would be needed. While that's 500,000 times the strength of Earth's magnetic field, pulsed magnets briefly reach field strengths up to 80 tesla." Steady state fields in superconducting magnets have threshold of about 12 T before they loose their ability to maintain the field.

Scientists at National High Magnetic Field Laboratory have constructed a pulse magnet which generates a field up to 60T, but I believe that is within a small cavity. It is also a transient phenomenon.



I've not heard or read of any substantiation of Heim's theory. Nevertheless, the NASA and US Defense Department are always interested in alternative ideas/theories.
It's a GOOD idea for the US Military to take an interest... what they don't want is the Chinese to develop Hyper Drive before they do... otherwise when they get to Mars they might find the Chinese there... with an upper hand...


<< post edited by berkeman >>
 
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