- #1
robbie.kpm
- 2
- 0
This is probably the wrong section for this question but what area of physics is propulsion physics. For rockets and stuff. Would that be considered nuclear physics?
I have heard of such concepts, but I don't feel safe with the idea of being accelerated by carefully timed nuclear detonations.mfb said:It has elements of nuclear physics if the suggested rocket type uses nuclear reactions. No existing rocket does that, but some concepts do.
rootone said:I had not come across that one before but it does sound more realistic than the shockwave surfing concept.
I did a quick search and discovered that a proof of concept NERVA prototype was built, which although it had some engineering hurdles to overcome these were not insurmountable.
It's not too clear from my quick search as to why the project was abandoned.
Propulsion physics is the branch of physics that deals with the study of motion and the forces that cause it in the context of space travel and transportation. It involves the study of various propulsion systems and their principles, as well as the application of physics laws and equations to understand and improve these systems.
There are two main types of propulsion systems: chemical and non-chemical. Chemical propulsion systems, such as rockets, use chemical reactions to generate thrust. Non-chemical systems, such as ion thrusters, use electricity to accelerate charged particles and create thrust.
Propulsion physics is essential for space exploration as it enables spacecraft to overcome the forces of gravity and travel through space. It is also crucial for achieving high speeds and long distances in space, which are necessary for missions to other planets and deep space exploration.
Some key principles in propulsion physics include Newton's laws of motion, which govern the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration, and conservation of momentum, which states that the total momentum of a system remains constant unless acted upon by an external force. Other important principles include energy conservation and the concept of thrust-to-weight ratio in determining the efficiency of a propulsion system.
Propulsion physics has practical applications in various areas, including transportation and energy production. For example, propulsion systems are used in cars, airplanes, and ships to propel them forward. Propulsion principles are also applied in the production of electricity through turbines and in the development of renewable energy sources such as wind and hydro power.