Maximizing Momentum Transfer in Space Ships for Optimal Performance

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of maximizing momentum transfer in spacecraft, exploring various theoretical approaches and mechanisms for propulsion in a zero-gravity environment. Participants examine the feasibility of using electromagnetic pulses and diamagnetic materials for momentum transfer, as well as the implications of momentum conservation in propulsion systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose using electromagnetic pulses to compress and transfer momentum through diamagnetic plasma gas, questioning the potential for linear propulsion in a zero-gravity environment.
  • Others argue that without mass ejection, momentum cannot be imparted to the spacecraft, emphasizing the conservation of momentum principle.
  • A participant suggests that dumping energy at near light speed could be more effective than mass ejection, proposing the use of EMPs on diamagnetic surfaces to achieve propulsion.
  • Another viewpoint indicates that the proposed designs resemble oscillators rather than effective propulsion systems, highlighting the need for momentum ejection.
  • Some contributions discuss the role of ball bearings and centripetal force in imparting momentum, while others express concerns about the fundamental flaws in the proposed designs related to momentum conservation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the effectiveness of the proposed momentum transfer methods, with multiple competing views on the feasibility and mechanics of the designs presented. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to achieve propulsion without violating momentum conservation.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on specific assumptions about the behavior of electromagnetic fields and plasma, as well as unresolved mathematical steps related to the proposed mechanisms of momentum transfer.

Intuitive
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Could something like this be used for a momentum Tranfer in Space Ships?:bugeye:
If so, Then how could we improve upon it?
If not then kindly disregard this post.
Maximize for better reading.
 

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I can't tell from the picture what the thing is supposed to do...

But unless you dump mass, you're not going to get any momentum imparted to the spacecraft .

[tex]\Sigma_{i=0}^n m_i*V_i=0[/tex]

or, momentum is conserved
 
enigma said:
I can't tell from the picture what the thing is supposed to do...

But unless you dump mass, you're not going to get any momentum imparted to the spacecraft .

[tex]\Sigma_{i=0}^n m_i*V_i=0[/tex]

or, momentum is conserved

It probably wouldn't work, but this was the plot.

1. Coil #1 fires off an EM Pulse that compresses the Diamagnetic Plasma Gas towords Coil #2 which prevents the Gas from Exiting, The Field from Coil #2 acts as an EM Barrier causing the Plasma Gas to be blocked which would probably force the Momentum of the Gas to be transferred to the Field Barrier of Coil #2, Coil #1 Fires off a very Rapid Strong EM Pulse that expands rapidly then is turned off until the next firing Pulse Charge is restored, The Gas will flow back to Coil #1 via Vacuum Suction then Coil #1 is refired with as many Joules of energy possible to recompress the Gas back to Coil #2.

I was hoping that the Compression and Decompression of the Gases Velocity difference, If any, Would cause a momentum transfer difference to make the unit travel in a linear direction in a Zero Gravity environment.

I had in mind that Equal and opposite forces may cancel the Momentum transfer and be conserved but I thought I would ask about it before throwing it out the window in case it had any potential.

Thanks for your time.
 
But unless you dump mass, you're not going to get any momentum imparted to the spacecraft .

Wouldn't dumping energy already near light speed be better than dumping mass (over the long run)?

I would think that dumping huge amounts of Energy on a repulsive surface would propel a craft if the Craft was highly Diamagnetic, I Myself think that using EMPs to squeeze Diamagnetic Surfaces could have very good results if the proper amount of Energy was used The Diamagnetic surface would try to repel away from an EMP( Shaped Charged EMPs against a Diamagnetic Surface), What do you think?

I know that if there is not a lot of energy to play with then it would take a rather long time to acquire super high velocities to a mass object but even then such slowness to gain velocity may over take all the rocket engines ever put into space over time if the output is always at Light speed with Energy that can be recharged over intervals of flight, ie, High Density Capacitor Banks and some Flight recharge System collecting Electrons and or EM from Space to refill the Cap Banks for another pop.

What could we do?
 
Intuitive said:
It probably wouldn't work, but this was the plot.

1. Coil #1 fires off an EM Pulse that compresses the Diamagnetic Plasma Gas towords Coil #2 which prevents the Gas from Exiting,
When coil#1 pushes the gas to the right (towards coil#2), it must recoil to the left. When the momentum of the gas is absorbed by coil#2, it recoils to the right.

You've designed an oscillator, not a propulsion drive.
 
Another thought on momentum transfer to add littles bits of momentum over time.

Would something like this work?

There is an additional zoom after maximizing the page to sharpen the image, Hover mouse over the image to get the zoom button to appear.
 

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The ball bearings will impart momentum to the circular tube in the opposite direction to travel, since they are accelerated - change in direction and presumably with some change in velocity.

Think of the components of velocity and the centripetal force in the circular track.

And, please don't get discouraged.
 
Intuitive : your designs suffer from the fundamental flaw that momentum conservation applied to the entire system (drive + craft) prevents it from getting anywhere unless there is momentum ejection out of system. This is what enigma tried to bring to your attention.

In other words, you are trying to power a sailboat with an onboard fan.
 
Gokul43201 said:
Intuitive : your designs suffer from the fundamental flaw that momentum conservation applied to the entire system (drive + craft) prevents it from getting anywhere unless there is momentum ejection out of system. This is what enigma tried to bring to your attention.

In other words, you are trying to power a sailboat with an onboard fan.

Back to EMPs and Solar Sails I guess.
Thanks:bugeye:
 
  • #10
Intuitive said:
Wouldn't dumping energy already near light speed be better than dumping mass (over the long run)?
Actually, yes, in theory a laser could be used as a propulsion device. But your device doesn't dump energy linearly.
 

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