NASA researchers find compelling evidence of a "fuelless" propulsion system

[LukaP]

http://www.iflscience.com/technology/nasa-scientists-claim-impossible-space-travel-engine-could-actually-work
 

Older version of the thruster ^
 

EmDrive is a highly efficient propellant-less propulsion system that converts microwave energy into thrust inside a sealed chamber. Such a system would be a complete game changer in spaceflight; it could dramatically cut the cost of satellites and space stations, extend the lives of spacecrafts and drive deep-space missions. But there’s a problem- it violates Newtonian laws of physics, in particular the law of conservation of momentum. Critics have therefore claimed that any thrust generated by prototype systems tested so far must be coming from another source.

This to me as a physicist is really interesting, as it in a way brings quantum effects that we cant see, into our world, for us all to experience.

 

oh and also, dem cheap spacetravel

[dlf]

I'd rather stay planted on the Earth . . .

[Altecice]

If it can be proven that that opens up a whole new part of physics... things that are possible that we thought weren't. exciting!

[LukaP]

If it can be proven that that opens up a whole new part of physics... things that are possible that we thought weren't. exciting!

it doesnt open a new part, it just makes use of a part we know lots about from equations, but have never seen before and that to me, is even more exciting. knowing that those people were right

[Altecice]

it doesnt open a new part, it just makes use of a part we know lots about from equations, but have never seen before and that to me, is even more exciting. knowing that those people were right

 

True true. I cant help but think its good to be proven wrong once in awhile. 

[LukaP]

True true. I cant help but think its good to be proven wrong once in awhile. 

of course its good being proven wrong it means someone was reading your work and was interested in it  

 

but imagine being one of the people behind this particular part of quantum fields theory, and reading about this engine, that in essence confirms your findings, while at the same time is also, dare i say it, "perpetuum mobile" ^^

[bob345]

whenever i read something like this, it reminds me of how much there is still to learn about our universe. Anything that has to do with quantum physics is always cool to read about.

[CoffeeBlack]

It's gravity, and it only works returning from orbit.

[LukaP]

It's gravity, and it only works returning from orbit.

huh?

[CoffeeBlack]

huh?

It was a poor attempt at a joke.

[LukaP]

It was a poor attempt at a joke.

alright

[OlekKing]

whenever i read something like this, it reminds me of how much there is still to learn about our universe. Anything that has to do with quantum physics is always cool to read about.

Answering one question always leads to raising a plethora of others.

[CaptainRagu]

Seems weird that this counters newtonian physics. Microwaves are energy (you put a bowl of soup in your microwave and that energy is converted into heat). All theyre going is converting that energy into a form that can drive something in a direction, just like steam or chemicals.

[LukaP]

Seems weird that this counters newtonian physics. Microwaves are energy (you put a bowl of soup in your microwave and that energy is converted into heat). All theyre going is converting that energy into a form that can drive something in a direction, just like steam or chemicals.

yes, but as far as i understand, its different to say steam, in a way that it doesnt move a medium (fuel) out of a nozzle, but rather just uses a certain quantum field to exert a force on the chamber. 

 

though i should read the entire nasa paper before i comment more, as i might be completly wrong on this one (dont have time today tho)

[ionbasa]

Those plastic gears though...As a mechanical engineer student, I cringed.

[Jaybird]

http://www.iflscience.com/technology/nasa-scientists-claim-impossible-space-travel-engine-could-actually-work

Older version of the thruster ^

This to me as a physicist is really interesting, as it in a way brings quantum effects that we cant see, into our world, for us all to experience.

oh and also, dem cheap spacetravel

OK so what kind of thrust are we talking about? 1000ftlbs? .0001ftlbs?

[LukaP]

OK so what kind of thrust are we talking about? 1000ftlbs? .0001ftlbs?

chinese managed 750mN (0.75N) nad nasa managed 50mN (0.05N)

[Jaybird]

Miss typed into calculator

[LukaP]

Chinese- 550ftlb. NASA - 0.03ftlb.

isnt footpound a unit for energy/work/heat/torque? aka in the SI world, Nm or Joule? 

 

or do americans measure force completly wrong?

 

 

edit no, its just you using it wrong.

 

its lb_F which stands for pound force where one lbf is 4.4N

[Jaybird]

Newton to lbs is 1:0.22 so I assumed it would be newton meters so just assuming newtons my answer would adjust slightly.

Edit: I believe I typed a number into my calculator wrong.

[Trik'Stari]

isnt footpound a unit for energy/work/heat/torque? aka in the SI world, Nm or Joule? 

 

or do americans measure force completly wrong?

 

 

edit no, its just you using it wrong.

 

its lb_F which stands for pound force where one lbf is 4.4N

Most americans refer to torque as footpounds. Incorrect probably.

 

I for one am for this, we need to get off of the planet before idiocracy becomes reality

[Victorious Secret]

 

Two tickets to Mars, please. 

 

Or Pluto. 

 

Whatever. 

 

I just want to astronaut  

[Wiflare]

Maybe energy has mass?

that would explain a lot.

[Socky]

Can we put these on cars and make them hover cars.

Actually I find hover cars stupid. Not much friction to slow down enough.

[Socky]

I for one am for this, we need to get off of the planet before idiocracy becomes reality

Wait its not a reality already?