Jump to content

Using Artificial Gravity As Propulsion


Photon Guy

Recommended Posts

I've heard of the idea of building a spacecraft that produces an artificial gravity well in front of it. As the spacecraft falls forward the artificial gravity well moves forward with it so that the spacecraft will be continually chasing the gravity well as it moves forward with the spacecraft creating a carrot and stick effect. We might even be able to break the light speed barrier with this concept. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 5/28/2023 at 7:00 PM, Genady said:

What is artificial gravity well?

A pull of gravity that is produced artificially as opposed to naturally. 

On 5/28/2023 at 8:02 PM, Genady said:

Won't the spacecraft be spaghettified?

Not if the gravity is increased gradually. If you increase the gravity too quickly yes, that would be a problem. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 5/29/2023 at 1:33 AM, swansont said:

How would this not violate conservation of momentum?

Wouldn’t such a drive mean the laws of physics can change with time, though? In which case Noether’s theorem would not apply any more.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, exchemist said:

Wouldn’t such a drive mean the laws of physics can change with time, though? In which case Noether’s theorem would not apply any more.

Change in time would affect energy conservation. To affect conservation of momentum, the physics needs to differ in space.

1 hour ago, Photon Guy said:

A pull of gravity that is produced artificially as opposed to naturally. 

What is an "artificially produced gravity"?

 

1 hour ago, Photon Guy said:

Not if the gravity is increased gradually. If you increase the gravity too quickly yes, that would be a problem.

What does it have to do with how fast or slow it increases?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, exchemist said:

Wouldn’t such a drive mean the laws of physics can change with time, though? In which case Noether’s theorem would not apply any more.

Another way of saying that is that you are violating known conservation laws.

3 hours ago, Photon Guy said:

A pull of gravity that is produced artificially as opposed to naturally. 

How do you artificially produce gravity?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 6 months later...
On 5/29/2023 at 12:46 AM, Photon Guy said:

I've heard of the idea of building a spacecraft that produces an artificial gravity well in front of it. As the spacecraft falls forward the artificial gravity well moves forward with it so that the spacecraft will be continually chasing the gravity well as it moves forward with the spacecraft creating a carrot and stick effect. We might even be able to break the light speed barrier with this concept. 

...Is there a question? :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.