Author Topic: Can a thruster using geomagnetic fields and superconductors generate a thrust?  (Read 5294 times)

As shown in the figure, the thruster is equipped with a geomagnetic field convergence layer, which is a superconducting material. The geomagnetic field convergence layer repels and blocks the magnetic flux of the geomagnetic field, so that the magnetic flux of the geomagnetic field passes through the narrow area between the upper and lower convergence layers. The geomagnetic field intensity B in the narrow area between the convergent layers of the geomagnetic field is enhanced.The thruster is also equipped with a electrifying coil, and the lower end of the coil is located in a narrow area between the convergent layers.
« Last Edit: 01/29/2019 02:54 pm by lidan2019 »

Offline Lar

  • Fan boy at large
  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13463
  • Saw Gemini live on TV
  • A large LEGO storage facility ... in Michigan
  • Liked: 11864
  • Likes Given: 11086
All thrusters have to do work. Is this doing work against the earth's magnetic field? What energy is being put into the system to do the work? Electrical?

How is this better than an electrodynamic tether, which does work against the earth's magnetic field via current flow?
"I think it would be great to be born on Earth and to die on Mars. Just hopefully not at the point of impact." -Elon Musk
"We're a little bit like the dog who caught the bus" - Musk after CRS-8 S1 successfully landed on ASDS OCISLY

It against the Earth's magnetic field by electric current, you need to input electrical energy, and connect the battery at both ends of the coil. Because the earth's magnetic field is enhanced,Compared with electrodynamic tether, it has a greater driving force.
« Last Edit: 01/28/2019 02:56 am by lidan2019 »

Offline ChrisWilson68

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5266
  • Sunnyvale, CA
  • Liked: 4992
  • Likes Given: 6459
It against the Earth's magnetic field by electric current, you need to input electrical energy, and connect the battery at both ends of the coil. Because the earth's magnetic field is enhanced,Compared with electrodynamic tether, it has a greater driving force.

Forcing field lines into a smaller cross-section won't help you get more thrust per unit power.  The only way to do that is by reducing losses in the tether system, such as the heating of the tether or heating of other parts of the system (likely responsible for nearly all the losses).

Offline elektryx tech

  • Member
  • Posts: 24
  • Winnipeg
  • Liked: 14
  • Likes Given: 4
If you want this to work, both superconductors need to be on the inside of the coil.

If you want this to go up, you will need to add a tether otherwise it will just flip over or go sideways. Also will need to be launched from north or south poles.

Might be able to use this to push a vehicle in a north or south direction, but horribly inefficient compared to an electric motor.

Offline LMT

  • Lake Matthew Team
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2351
    • Lake Matthew
  • Liked: 424
  • Likes Given: 0
It against the Earth's magnetic field by electric current, you need to input electrical energy, and connect the battery at both ends of the coil. Because the earth's magnetic field is enhanced,Compared with electrodynamic tether, it has a greater driving force.

Forcing field lines into a smaller cross-section won't help you get more thrust per unit power.  The only way to do that is by reducing losses in the tether system, such as the heating of the tether or heating of other parts of the system (likely responsible for nearly all the losses).

To maximize thrust you'd consider the Lorentz force equation:

F = I L x B

B is a given, so you increase thrust by increasing current and/or cable length. 

[L x B] is maximized with a straight cable, perhaps extended over some kilometers with innovative boom construction. 

Current might be maximized with large solar arrays.  To get past the current-limiting problem of Joule heating, you could certainly consider a superconductor, if coolant were available.

Some notes in another thread:

ISEP:  Integrated Structural Electrodynamic Propulsion

« Last Edit: 04/16/2019 02:17 pm by LMT »

Offline MathewOrman

  • Member
  • Posts: 69
  • Poland
  • Liked: 6
  • Likes Given: 0
Yes, bu the Laplace force would be to small to be useful in propelling anything... :-)

Offline Bob012345

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 735
  • Liked: 171
  • Likes Given: 278
Yes, bu the Laplace force would be to small to be useful in propelling anything... :-)

Electromagnetic tethers using the Earths magnetic field have been tested in space. The Lorentz force isn't too small to be useful.

Offline RonM

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3340
  • Atlanta, Georgia USA
  • Liked: 2231
  • Likes Given: 1584
There's enough force for attitude control.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetorquer

 

Advertisement NovaTech
Advertisement Northrop Grumman
Advertisement
Advertisement Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
Advertisement Brady Kenniston
Advertisement NextSpaceflight
Advertisement Nathan Barker Photography
0