Author Topic: Electric/chemical Energy to kinetic energy conversion  (Read 135890 times)

pmf71

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Electric/chemical Energy to kinetic energy conversion
« on: December 09, 2004, 08:47:17 PM »
I started this topic because i am curious about how far scientists/theorists are at developing a technology that can transform nuclear, electric, thermal, or chemical energy directly into kinetic energy. This kind of technology would solve a lot of problems not just in spacetravel, but also here on earth.

So if anybody knows a url with information on this subject, or has some knowledge to share, even if it's just a thought or your own idea or theory, just post it, this might become an interesting thread...

Offline Satanic Mechanic

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Electric/chemical Energy to kinetic energy conversion
« Reply #1 on: December 14, 2004, 10:51:30 AM »
You can use a search engine to find the information or take a look at past topics.  We have talked about nuclear rockets like the NERVA a few months ago.

As for the nuclear engine, it is already proven.  In the 60's and early 70's an engine was built and tested in the Nevada desert.  They were successful and were able to refire it many times.

SM

Offline LunarOrbit

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Electric/chemical Energy to kinetic energy conversion
« Reply #2 on: December 14, 2004, 11:22:13 AM »
I'm not sure I understand what you're looking for, pmf71. I think even a simple internal combustion engine does what you describe (they create kinetic energy by igniting gasoline).
" We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard..."
 - John F. Kennedy

Offline Bob B.

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Electric/chemical Energy to kinetic energy conversion
« Reply #3 on: December 14, 2004, 01:26:02 PM »
I too am confused about what you are trying to ask, pmf71.  There are many devices that transform, say chemical energy, into kinetic energy.  A rocket engine is a perfect example.  Can you better describe what you are looking for?

Offline madmax

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Electric/chemical Energy to kinetic energy conversion
« Reply #4 on: December 14, 2004, 02:24:01 PM »
Are you perhaps talking about the "Space Drive" concept? That is a (unknown) method of converting fuel into momentum WITHOUT expelling any mass, i.e. without relying on Newton's action-reaction principle.
Such drives are possible on earth (maglev monorails for example), but no real method of doing this in space has been put forward, unless you include solar sails or some sort of beamed propulsion.
What me worry?

Offline pmf71

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Electric/chemical Energy to kinetic energy conversion
« Reply #5 on: December 14, 2004, 09:11:29 PM »
madmax, your description is exactly what i meant. I am not very good at describing things in a complex manner, so excuse me being a bit vague.
What i indeed meant was, the "space drive", converting energy into momentum with a specific direction, without expelling any mass, and without any mass from outside driving the craft forward.
Your examples like solar sails, maglev are typical examples of an object using a force to repel itself from another object, which of course is not possible in space.
I know this is total sci-fi at the moment, but is it even feasible? I guess our current knowlegde of physics probably forbids it, or does it? I don't know, I am hoping some of you can join in and share your ideas on this.
Sorry if i sound a bit stupid, i am no scientist, my maths are average (i hate complex maths  :omg: ) but i like to discuss ideas, how ever weird or stupid they may seem  :D
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Offline LunarOrbit

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Electric/chemical Energy to kinetic energy conversion
« Reply #6 on: December 14, 2004, 10:23:37 PM »
I'm not a scientist either, pmf71, so don't worry about that.

As far as science fiction is concerned, I always liked the idea of creating somekind of artificial gravity well directly in front of a spacecraft so that it pulls itself through space. I don't know if such an idea is even remotely possible, but it sounds cool.
" We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard..."
 - John F. Kennedy

Offline Bob B.

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Electric/chemical Energy to kinetic energy conversion
« Reply #7 on: December 14, 2004, 11:35:29 PM »
Quote from: LunarOrbit
As far as science fiction is concerned, I always liked the idea of creating somekind of artificial gravity well directly in front of a spacecraft so that it pulls itself through space. I don't know if such an idea is even remotely possible, but it sounds cool.

According to Bob Lazar, this is how the recovered alien spacecraft at Area 51 work. :roll:

Offline LunarOrbit

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Electric/chemical Energy to kinetic energy conversion
« Reply #8 on: December 15, 2004, 12:12:21 AM »
Yeah, I've heard that... I'll leave it in the category of "science fiction" though. ;)
" We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard..."
 - John F. Kennedy

Offline Satanic Mechanic

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Electric/chemical Energy to kinetic energy conversion
« Reply #9 on: December 15, 2004, 11:17:03 AM »
I'm staying out of this topic.

Offline madmax

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Electric/chemical Energy to kinetic energy conversion
« Reply #10 on: December 22, 2004, 05:34:28 PM »
pmf71:
If/When a "Space Drive" does turn up, I'll bet the first place it will be seen is:

http://www.niac.usra.edu/
What me worry?

Offline madmax

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Electric/chemical Energy to kinetic energy conversion
« Reply #11 on: December 22, 2004, 05:44:41 PM »
Another possibility for you is the now discontinued NASA Breakthrough Propulsion Physics program. Though funding was cut for this program, it's web site still has lots of links you may find interesting.
http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/bpp/
What me worry?

Offline pmf71

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Electric/chemical Energy to kinetic energy conversion
« Reply #12 on: December 30, 2004, 06:46:44 PM »
thanks for the info, gonna read it as i speak  :P
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Offline engware

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Re: Electric/chemical Energy to kinetic energy conversion
« Reply #13 on: June 12, 2006, 03:51:57 PM »
Hi there:

If you would like to find out theretical numercial energy conversion values, check out the following URL:
http://members.aol.com/engware/free

Thanks,

Gordan
R&D Engineer
Engineering Software
http://members.aol.com/engware/free

Offline DonPMitchell

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Re: Electric/chemical Energy to kinetic energy conversion
« Reply #14 on: June 12, 2006, 07:21:00 PM »
But keep in mind, it is not possible to violate conservation of momentum.

So you can move a spaceship by expending light, which the most efficient means.  But the forward momentum of the craft on one direction must be balanced by the momentum of something else moving in the opposite direction.
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