Electro-magnetic Propulsion
Tags: Computer Science, Technology
For those of you that dream of one day owning your very own X-34 Land Speeder, the Force is indeed with you, for there is new hope that such a levitating craft might actually be possible.
There is an interesting article in the September issue of New Scientist that describes a new type of not-quite-rocket engine that uses a novel closed microwave resonant cavity with a geometry that exploits relativistic frames of reference to generate thrust without actually expelling anything.
At first blush, the idea would seem to violate what we know about Newton’s laws and the “equal and opposite reactions” that have historically driven traditional rocket engines. But according to this theoretical paper by Roger Sawyer, Einstein’s rules of relativity can be exploited to generate thrust without a traditional propellant. The general idea is that the momentum transfers calculations between the trapped resonating microwaves must be done in the photons’ frame of reference. When you work out the math around the truncated cone cavity shape, you end up with thrust in the cavity’s frame of reference despite the fact that nothing is emerging from the cavity.
European scientists are generally skeptical, but the initial laboratory tests have demonstrated greater thrusts than the recently launched ESA Smart satellite’s ion drive. Better yet, the so-called EM drive reached this performance level without requiring any fuel other than electricity to power a magnetron (a source of microwaves, common to any microwave oven), and all that from an engine that weighs about one tenth of even the very latest ion-engine alternative plus propellant payload.
Indeed, it sounds too good to be true, but NASA is taking a serious look. Here is a diagram from the article:
While a great deal of work would certainly remain in order to improve the new engine efficiency and output to levels useful on Earth, the prospect of having electronically controllable thrust without any emitted blast or heat is an awesome prospect that could change the face of transportation overnight.
If feasible, I would expect the principle challenges to be in managing high energy densities inside a resonant cavity without expansion, warping, slagging, or other mechanical failures that would ruin the Q (or peak resonance and energy storage capability) of the cavity.
Definitely worth a look.
6 Comments, Comment or Ping
Curtis alleyne
Well I have finnally read Roger Sawyer theoretical paper and Einstiens rules of relativity and special relitivity,but me being a super fan of scientists and the oh so great inventors(there’s only a few so u prolly kno who)..I have a super creative mind If I only had the knowledge of mathematics on a physics level I would prolly write my own paper on this subject.But I think by reading this article there’s lots of room for improvement and which I think Electro-Magntic PRopulsion is very in need todayand will be a very helpful utility in there’s modern days,the reason I’m writing this is because I wanna start
My own reasearch on this subject of cousre peoples gonna really tend to draw away from the subject becauce the real idea in my mind really is makin an reliabe energy source..(makin Sumtin from Nuttin)..but obey to differ..and it’s not a might either as far as really piloting an X-34 LAnd SPeeder if I can get the help and the tools necessary to do my experiments to help modern society find a new and greener energy source,and I think it’s very possible and nearng time for a change and more genious invention.., creativity is #1..my research skill are at a loss but my creative state of mind is on par,..give me a holla let me kno what u think…..please excuse my spelling I’m doing this from my iPhone so please excuse me..thnk u..have a great day peoples and be blessd
Nov 18th, 2008
gopalsamy.m
this is gopalsamy, i am doing aeronautical engg..anna university cheenai.
i think electro magnetic propulsion posible to produce the thrust. but it’s may not be continous..so try to mix electro magnetic &iron propulsion ….
Mar 9th, 2009
Phillip Alvelda
Update on the article: It’s now widely recognized that this idea simply won’t work, as all of our long-held understanding of Newton’s laws would indicate. The whole premise was based on a mistaken diagram which left out a component of momentum that properly conserves everything that is actually conserved in nature. You can google the results now and find any number of descriptions.
Mar 14th, 2009
Geoff
Goodness! I hope all our budding geniuses and engineers of tomorrow can use grammar and can spell better than those first two posters! Since when is “prolly” a word?? Intelligence and spelling ability go hand-in-hand here, so lose the quick-text feature on that phone and write stuff that others can read without having to decipher what the hell you’re writing. Please.
Dec 29th, 2009
raja
hi dear friend….. i am also doing aeronautical engg.. in anna university chennai.. i have some idea about the electro magneting propulision …. i ‘m going to do some experiment for this ,, can u join with me …….
Apr 3rd, 2010
Office Storage Dude
This was a great post for me personally. Ive been involved in storage facilities all my life so much of what youve mentioned has sung true to me. Thanks
Sep 29th, 2010
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