User:Jarihdjr/Phase Displacement Space Drive

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The Phase Displacement Space Drive is an innovative method of propulsion proposed in 2011 by "Douglas" F. Palte, which uses two emitter antennas, phased 0° and 90°, and quarter-wave spaced (nλ+ λ/4), producing attraction force, mediated by Em waves, between space and antenna at one extremity, and repulsion force at another extremity, causing net thrust force toward one direction. It was designed to overcome inherent limits of current expelling-mass propulsion systems in order to enable fast space travel in a more energy-efficient way, without infringing the laws of classical physics.[1]

Phase Displacement Space Drive - Waves
Phase Displacement Space Drive - Waves

Theory of operation[edit]

Even though electromagnetic waves have no mass, they still carry momentum in the direction of movement.[2]

The Phase Displacement Space Drive is comprised by two transmitter antennas (A and B, left and right), spaced quarter wavelength apart (nλ+ λ/4), each emitting respectively 0° and 90° phase-shifted waves. Starting from A, wave will face B with same-polarity (in-phase 0°), always repulsion force. On the other hand, starting from B, wave will face A with opposite-polarity (contra-phase 180°), always attraction force. Hence, the set of antennas will be displaced from left to right. Action-reaction will occur between the antennas and phase-shifted waves, and transversely between phase-shifted waves and the surrounding medium.[3]

Performance[edit]

Directional antennas can be used to concentrate radiation to form a beam in one specific direction. Hence, if using directional antennas, horn antennas, or parabolic antennas, facing each other, the energy-efficiency can go beyond 90%. Not taking into account losses due to electromagnetic radiation, maximum performance it will be no more than 50W/kg(50 kW/tonne) @ 1 g-force(10 m/s²). Comparatively, even with heavy EM losses, it will be far more energy-efficient than any expelling-mass propulsion system which payload mass is 1% to 10% of the propellant mass.[4][5][6]

See also[edit]

Further reading[edit]

  • "The Internet Encyclopedia of Science - Advanced Propulsion Concepts and Projects". Retrieved 2010-10-11.
  • Marc G. Millis (December 2005). "Assessing Potential Propulsion Breakthroughs" (PDF).
  • Marc G. Millis (June 2004). "Prospects for Breakthrough Propulsion From Physics" (PDF).
  • Ryszard Struzak (February 2006). "Radio-wave propagation basics - page 9" (PDF).
  • Benoit T. Guay (August 1999). "Propulsion Without Propellent Mass; a Time-Varying Electromagnetic Field Effect". arXiv:physics/9908048.
  • Paul March (2007). "Mach-Lorentz Thruster (MLT) Applications".

References[edit]


External links[edit]


Category:Interstellar travel Category:Nuclear spacecraft propulsion Category:Hypothetical technology