This idea is a spin off from the EM Drive forum and is an extension of my limited understanding of the superfluid vacuum theory and the polarizable quantum vacuum.
What does this have to do with spaceflight? If we are better able understand the "Luminiferous aether," then the more likely it is that we'll be able to efficiently manipulate that aether to our own ends.
Here's the idea in a nutshell:What if the universe isn’t analogous to a single spinning superfluid, but rather a multi-superfluid composite made up of 4 distinct superfluids? What if the fundamental particles of our standard model can be thought of as quantized vortices of these various superfluids within a larger, composite superfluid mixture?
If this is the case, then each of the superfluids would have it's own quantized vortices. And, at least according to this article (
http://physics.aps.org/synopsis-for/10.1103/PhysRevLett.117.145301), those vortices should be able to interact with each other in a zero-viscocity system, transferring angular momentum between them. That would establish a theoretical basis for fundamental quantum particles and interactions between those particles/vortices.
If the particle/antiparticle pairs are simply counter rotating vortices, then they would cancel each other out when they combine, transferring the sum of their energy into other nearby vortices via force carrier particles. The prevalence of matter over antimatter could be explained by the direction of spin of the composite superfluid spacetime universe (CSSU), since the prevailing spin direction would be what is generating the majority of particles/vortices to begin with.
The fact that each of the fundamental particle pairs can be created out of the quantum vacuum (Dirac Sea) by applying enough energy might be another easily explained consequence of the CSSU theory. The energy required for pair production should be analogous to the lambda point of the superfluid the particles/vortices are made from. Different superfluid components, each having their own lambda point, result in different, discreet energy requirements for the creation of each type of particle/antiparticle pair.
In the CSSU, the Big Bang’s Planck Epoch (zero to approximately 10-43seconds) would be analogous to the transition temperature and condensation of the first of the superfluids. As the precursor state cools and condenses and the first superfluid comes into existence, a spin direction (carried over and enhanced from the precursor state) is imparted to the CSSU. The imparting of spin and resulting creation of the first vortices marks the beginning of the so called Grand Unification Epoch (10
–43 seconds to 10
–36 seconds). A second superfluid transition/condensation event correlates to the Inflationary Epoch (10
–36 seconds to 10
–32), third to the Electro Weak Epoch (10
–32 seconds to 10
–12) and a forth to the Quark Epoch10
–12 seconds to 10
–6). With each condensation event, more total spin is imparted to the CSSU and more particles/vortices are come into existence.
The end result of this rapid sequential condensation of the 4 superfluids is the creation of a composite superfluid mixture containing a large number of interacting particles/vortices.
Thoughts?