Magnetic Propulsion-how can it only oscillate in one direction?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Gabe21
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Direction Magnetic
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of magnetic propulsion, specifically focusing on the mechanism by which an electromagnet can produce thrust by oscillating in one direction. Participants explore the initial oscillation of the magnet and question the simplicity of the concept, as well as its practical application and current status in propulsion technology.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the initial rapid oscillation of an electromagnet when current is first applied, leading to a stable charge.
  • Another participant questions the validity of the described mechanism, asking for mainstream sources that explain how the magnet can oscillate in one direction to produce thrust.
  • A link to a HowStuffWorks article is provided, but concerns about the reliability of its sources are raised.
  • Moderation notes indicate that the sources in the referenced article may have issues, and a request for alternative sources is made.
  • A later post states that no valid sources have been found, leading to a consensus that the concept may not be credible.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express skepticism about the described mechanism of magnetic propulsion, with no consensus on its validity or practical application. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the credibility of the concept.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of reliable sources to support the claims made about magnetic propulsion and the unresolved nature of the technical details surrounding the oscillation mechanism.

Gabe21
Messages
60
Reaction score
0
I was reading about possible future propulsion systems and they all pretty much work by accelerating fuel back to produce forward thrust, accept for magnetic propulsion. Initially when you first turn on the current to an electro magnet there is a rapid oscillation that occurs until the magnet reaches a stable charge. I understand that. How its actually said to work is if you can turn the magnet on and off for half the oscillation period it will only oscillate in one direction producing thrust. My question is why does the magnet always start its oscillation in the same direction? The concept sounds way too simple not to have been perfected yet, so why hasn't it yet?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Gabe21 said:
I was reading about possible future propulsion systems and they all pretty much work by accelerating fuel back to produce forward thrust, accept for magnetic propulsion. Initially when you first turn on the current to an electro magnet there is a rapid oscillation that occurs until the magnet reaches a stable charge. I understand that. How its actually said to work is if you can turn the magnet on and off for half the oscillation period it will only oscillate in one direction producing thrust. My question is why does the magnet always start its oscillation in the same direction? The concept sounds way too simple not to have been perfected yet, so why hasn't it yet?

The concept does not appear to make sense as described. Can you provide a pointer to a mainstream website that describes this?
 
Thread closed for Moderation; the sources in the HowStuffWorks article look to have problems.

If you can find any other sources, please PM them to me. Thanks.
 
No valid sources have been found, and the consensus is that this is BS. Thread will remain closed.
 

Similar threads

High School Why does my LC circuit not oscillate its energy between Electric & Magnetic fields?
  • · Replies 152 ·
6
Replies
152
Views
8K
Undergrad Charge movement relative to magnetic field frame dependence/invariance
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad How induction works within a coil (nuances of it)
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Graduate PPMT, Magnetic Flux Switch, electro-permanent magnet generator
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Undergrad Why is my magnetic levitation experiment not working?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
Undergrad The missing 3D magnetism theory
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
887
Graduate New Explanation to How Newton's Third Law is Satisfied in Magnetism
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
High School How Do Generators Produce Alternating Current While Rotating in One Direction?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Direct and alternating current, a personal approach to understand them
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate What is the Definition and Function of a Magnetic Field?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K