Posted on 07/27/2015 4:32:51 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
Later today, July 27, German scientists will present new experimental results on the controversial, "impossible" EM Drive, at the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics' Propulsion and Energy Forum in Orlando. The presentation is titled "Direct Thrust Measurements of an EmDrive and Evaluation of Possible Side-Effects."
Presenter Martin Tajmar is a professor and chair for Space Systems at the Dresden University of Technology, interested in space propulsion systems and breakthrough propulsion physics.
A Revolutionary Development for Space Travel
The EM Drive (Electro Magnetic Drive) uses electromagnetic microwave cavities to directly convert electrical energy to thrust without the need to expel any propellant. First proposed by Satellite Propulsion Research, a research company based in the UK founded by aerospace engineer Roger Shawyer, the EM Drive concept was predictably scorned by much of the mainstream research community for allegedly violating the laws of physics, including the conservation of momentum.
However, NASA Eagleworks – an advanced propulsion research group led by Dr. Harold G. “Sonny” White at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) – investigated the EM Drive and presented encouraging test results in 2014 at the 50th Joint Propulsion Conference.
White proposes that the EM Drive’s thrust is due to virtual particles in the quantum vacuum that behave like propellant ions in magneto-hydrodynamical propulsion systems, extracting "fuel" from the very fabric of space-time and eliminating the need to carry propellant. While a number of scientists criticize White's theoretical model, others feel that he is at least pointing to the right direction. The NASASpaceFlight website and forums have emerged as unofficial news source and discussion space for all things related to the EM Drive and related breakthrough space propulsion proposals such as the Cannae Drive.
Shawyer has often been dismissed by the research establishment for not having peer-reviewed scientific publications, but White and Tajmar have impeccable credentials that put them beyond cheap dismissal and scorn. Physics is an experimental science, and the fact that the EM Drive works is confirmed in the lab. "This is the first time that someone with a well-equipped lab and a strong background in tracking experimental error has been involved, rather than engineers who may be unconsciously influenced by a desire to see it work," notes Wired referring to Tajmar's work.
Hacked has obtained a copy of Tajmar's Propulsion and Energy Forum paper, co-authored by G. Fiedler.
"Our measurements reveal thrusts as expected from previous claims after carefully studying thermal and electromagnetic interferences," note the researchers. "If true, this could certainly revolutionize space travel."
"Additional tests need to be carried out to study the magnetic interaction of the power feeding lines used for the liquid metal contacts," conclude the researchers. "Nevertheless, we do observe thrusts close to the magnitude of the actual predictions after eliminating many possible error sources that should warrant further investigation into the phenomena. Next steps include better magnetic shielding, further vacuum tests and improved EMDrive models with higher Q factors and electronics that allow tuning for optimal operation."
Contrary to sensationalist reports published by the sensationalist press, the EM Drive is not a "warp drive" for faster than light travel. It could, however, according to current experimental evidence, be a revolutionary development for faster and cheaper space transportation.
Wired notes that an EmDrive could get to Pluto in less than 18 months and mentions more ambitious ideas including a manned trip to the moons of Saturn with a three-year mission time. "Some damage to our theories of physics is an acceptable payoff if we get a working space drive," concludes the Wired article.
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/by:kevmo/index?brevity=full;tab=comments
Peer reviewed information necessary.
Mars in 5 months?
I read somewhere that they’re actually working on something similar to “warp drive” and I’ll try to find it.
This article says it is has been likened to the Impulse Drive from Star Trek.
Pretty good speculation for a skeptic. It helps me picture the possibilities of the device. Thanks.
And BTW, I am also a skeptic. But I do find this interesting.
(smile)
I remember Kevmo.
What ever happened to Kevmo?
What ever happened to cold fusion and the Italian who was pushing it?
Rossi is still peddling his wares. He enlists a reputable scientist or two from time to time who swear there's really some there-there before they become disillusioned. And of course, there's always a "big announcement" when the last batch of suckers dry up. That seems to be the tactic this bunch are attempting to do. Like Rossi, you have to wonder why nobody can scale the result -- and why the original inventor hasn't done that since he's been working at it for years.
This one has some small bit of life. There may be some interesting physics going on, but it's highly unlikely to be what the inventor [or the OP] thinks it is.
Next up: The "Alcubierre warp drive". NASA will waste at least a few hundred million for that one, producing "intriguing" results while breathlessly proclaiming the need for more taxpayer money.
The only thing I'm sceptical about is how much THEY are holding back when THEY release little appetizers of information.
Sorry. I mistook you as a skeptic at first. It became clear a few posts later but I just let my mistake go. My mistake. You are not a skeptic.
I am a skeptic, though I find the subject interesting.
I also found your description of one of the possible mechanisms of how this might work, if it does actually work, interesting.
BTW, are you, or have you ever been, Kevmo?
How would Kevmo answer that?
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