Reactionless Drive: Difference between revisions
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[[File:halo2_3133.jpg|link=Orions Arm|frame|Look, ma! No thrusters!]] |
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** It should be noted that the ''Mach Effect'' DOES conserve momentum, the "equal and opposite reaction" is spread out over a vast amount of mass outside the engine (possibly the entire universe). |
** It should be noted that the ''Mach Effect'' DOES conserve momentum, the "equal and opposite reaction" is spread out over a vast amount of mass outside the engine (possibly the entire universe). |
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* The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrodynamic_tether Electrodynamic Tether] also achieves transfer of momentum without using any propellent, it's basically a simple form of magnetic sail. |
* The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrodynamic_tether Electrodynamic Tether] also achieves transfer of momentum without using any propellent, it's basically a simple form of magnetic sail. |
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* [http://groups.csail.mit.edu/mac/users/wisdom/swimming.pdf Spacetime swimming] is another viable alternative for propulsion in a curved spacetime. This is analogous to how you can change the orientation of an office chair without touching anything (try it, unless [[Hilarity Ensues|someone is watching]]). It is also a small effect, and it is unclear whether or not it would be useful. This device exploits quirks in general relativity that allows one to sidestep the issue of conservation laws -- let's just say general relativity is a bit sticky on this subject, and that since this sort of drive would not work in the usual manner, i.e., it does not apply a continuous force, accelerating the craft, but instead [[Space Is an Ocean|needs to operate continuously in order for the craft to continue moving]], ensuring that no conservation laws are harmed. |
* [http://groups.csail.mit.edu/mac/users/wisdom/swimming.pdf Spacetime swimming] is another viable alternative for propulsion in a curved spacetime. This is analogous to how you can change the orientation of an office chair without touching anything (try it, unless [[Hilarity Ensues|someone is watching]]). It is also a small effect, and it is unclear whether or not it would be useful. This device exploits quirks in general relativity that allows one to sidestep the issue of conservation laws -- let's just say general relativity is a bit sticky on this subject, and that since this sort of drive would not work in the usual manner, i.e., it does not apply a continuous force, accelerating the craft, but instead [[Space Is an Ocean|needs to operate continuously in order for the craft to continue moving]], ensuring that no conservation laws are harmed. [http://www.brophy.net/Downloads/AIL%20Class%20on%20Reality%20&%20Unreality/READING%20MATERIAL%20IN%20PDF%20FORMAT/87%20SWIMMING%20in%20curved%20spacetime.pdf Here] is a more palatable description. This is the method of propulsion chosen by the alien Xeelee, in [[Stephen Baxter]]'s novels. |
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* [http://arxiv.org/abs/0912.1031 Effects of the quantum vacuum] on magnetoelectric materials exhibit this, but again, it is unclear whether technological applications will ever be possible. |
* [http://arxiv.org/abs/0912.1031 Effects of the quantum vacuum] on magnetoelectric materials exhibit this, but again, it is unclear whether technological applications will ever be possible. |
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* Proponents of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heim_theory#See_also Heim Theory] claim you can get a reactionless drive with [[Faster Than Light Travel]] thrown in at no extra cost. Unfortunately, according to mainstream physics, the theory is most likely false. |
* Proponents of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heim_theory#See_also Heim Theory] claim you can get a reactionless drive with [[Faster Than Light Travel]] thrown in at no extra cost. Unfortunately, according to mainstream physics, the theory is most likely false. |
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[[Category:Spacecraft]] |
[[Category:Spacecraft]] |
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[[Category:Reactionless Drive]] |
[[Category:Reactionless Drive]] |
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[[Category:Trope |
[[Category:Trope]] |
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