I didn't mean to imply that dialectric losses would preclude observation of the phenomenon. I meant that the losses would probably preclude it's practical application as a space drive. The energy requirements would be so high for useful amount of thrust that it wouldn't be worth it.I'm not positive I'm correct, but it seems a significant point of concern.
That's dielectric.
If the experimental results to date are correct, your worry is likely unfounded. Paul March has observed results (with less than perfect experimental controls, admittedly) that already exceed the thrust-to-power ratio of VASIMR by a factor of 10, with the thrust-to-weight ratio being better as well IIRC. Woodward himself has been deliberately playing it safe with his designs, but he's apparently within an order of magnitude of VASIMR's high-Isp mode thrust-to-power ratio already.Now consider that if the thrust die-off issue is solved, these engines can essentially thrust forever or until a component fails - no propellant required... Even if you have to anneal the dielectric every few thousand hours, you might be able to build that capability into the spacecraft, and you'd still be far beyond where we are now...
Quote from: randomly on 10/20/2009 03:08 pmI didn't mean to imply that dialectric losses would preclude observation of the phenomenon. I meant that the losses would probably preclude it's practical application as a space drive. The energy requirements would be so high for useful amount of thrust that it wouldn't be worth it.I'm not positive I'm correct, but it seems a significant point of concern.That's dielectric.If the experimental results to date are correct, your worry is likely unfounded. Paul March has observed results (with less than perfect experimental controls, admittedly) that already exceed the thrust-to-power ratio of VASIMR by a factor of 10, with the thrust-to-weight ratio being better as well IIRC. Woodward himself has been deliberately playing it safe with his designs, but he's apparently within an order of magnitude of VASIMR's high-Isp mode thrust-to-power ratio already.Now consider that if the thrust die-off issue is solved, these engines can essentially thrust forever or until a component fails - no propellant required... Even if you have to anneal the dielectric every few thousand hours, you might be able to build that capability into the spacecraft, and you'd still be far beyond where we are now...
Now for something completely different. Hyperbola says they will report on an EmDrive vehicle/spacecraft later this week:http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/hyperbola/2009/10/ceas-2009-the-emdrive-spacepla.html
Any news from anyone experimenting with Mach effect, or Cramer's retro-causality experiment?
Quote from: Cinder on 11/05/2009 05:37 pmAny news from anyone experimenting with Mach effect, or Cramer's retro-causality experiment?No, James Woodward hasn't done anything, he was on sabbatical. Last I heard, Paul March was still working on his latest rig.
Thanks Will these delays mean no conference presentation early next year?
Star Drive: Is there any progress you can report on with your lasted MLT device? Last we heard was that you had some kind of manufacturing flaw to correct. Thanks.
Sounds exciting. How far along is Dr. White's test article? Are there any schematics of it?