4 ms·
> If power and efficiency issues are resolved, My gut feel is that this is a pretty grossly inefficient system by nature. Inducing current in seawater just to
by rektide 3y ago
> If power and efficiency issues are resolved,
My gut feel is that this is a pretty grossly inefficient system by nature. Inducing current in seawater just to give magnetic traction something to push off against seems semi absurd.
- eqmvii 3y agosemi absurd is kinda why DARPA exists!
- ChrisMarshallNY 3y agoThe Register used to make fun of DARPA, saying things like “where every laugh is a mad cackle.”
- beambot 3y agoWhile we all communicate using TCP/IP, invented as a DARPA program for robust communication in the event of nuclear conflict...
- imglorp 3y agoWhat? VLSI, VHDL, Multics, Hypertext, GaAs semiconductors, autonomous navigation, GPS, and packet switched networking were a few things they funded. Totally absurd, right? For every successful tech, they probably explored scores that didn't pan out. Basic, high risk research has huge payoffs across society even if you don't like who's funding it or why.
- tjmc 3y agoSo true. I read once that fundamental physics research on quantum tunnelling in Japan resulted in antennas that immediately reduced satellite dish sizes from meters across to the size of a dinner plate. Now you can connect with a modern smart phone.
- morsch 3y agoI think that was the point.
- bombcar 3y agoI mean rockets are absurd - burn gas to throw it behind you to push off against. Works in space (the NYT regrets the error). https://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/14/news/150th-anniversary-1851-2001-the-facts-that-got-away.html https://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/14/news/150th-anniversary-18...
- MilStdJunkie 3y agoThat's very true, but "efficient" isn't usually an adjective thrown at a rocket.
- rektide 3y agoUhhh I feel like rocket makers are obsessed with efficiency. A modest half a percent makes a huge difference in fuel fraction & lift capabilities. Rockets may be broadly inefficient but they are as efficient as we can make them.
- MilStdJunkie 3y agoI understand. They're the only orbital game in town, and will be until <INSERT_PET_FUTURISTIC_THINGY>. I guess what I'm, saying, it's more that "efficient" isn't a word that pops up in your head when you imagine "rocket". It's like a demure Dodge Hellcat owner, or a contemplative WWE star.
- marcosdumay 3y agoPurely-electric devices tend to have this property that if you maximize or minimize something with no clear theoretical limitation, your efficiency grows all the way to 1. On the case of this, my gut feeling tells me that making the magnet really, really big will do it.