The Need for Speed Dr. Darrel Smith, Chair Space Physics August 27, 2005 Dr. Darrel Smith, Chair...
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Transcript of The Need for Speed Dr. Darrel Smith, Chair Space Physics August 27, 2005 Dr. Darrel Smith, Chair...
The Need for SpeedThe Need for Speed
Dr. Darrel Smith, ChairSpace Physics
August 27, 2005
Dr. Darrel Smith, ChairSpace Physics
August 27, 2005
The Year of PhysicsThe Year of Physics
1905 -- the year of discovery
Einstein’s three papers1. Brownian Motion2. Photoelectric Effect *3. Special Relativity
1905 -- the year of discovery
Einstein’s three papers1. Brownian Motion2. Photoelectric Effect *3. Special Relativity
The Need for SpeedThe Need for Speed
Special RelativitySpecial Relativity
Base Units of Physics
1. Mass (kilogram)
2. Length (meter)
3. Time (second)
Base Units of Physics
1. Mass (kilogram)
2. Length (meter)
3. Time (second)
The Need for SpeedThe Need for Speed
Special RelativitySpecial Relativity
Einsteins two postulates:
1. The speed of light is a constant in all inertial frames. C = 299,792,458 m/s (186,000 miles/sec)
2. The law of physics are covariant between inertial frames.
Einsteins two postulates:
1. The speed of light is a constant in all inertial frames. C = 299,792,458 m/s (186,000 miles/sec)
2. The law of physics are covariant between inertial frames.
The Need for SpeedThe Need for Speed
Special RelativitySpecial Relativity
Implications of these two postulates:
1. Length Length Contraction
2. Time Time Dilation
3. Mass Mass Dilation
Implications of these two postulates:
1. Length Length Contraction
2. Time Time Dilation
3. Mass Mass Dilation
The Need for SpeedThe Need for Speed
1 ≤ ≤
At rest at c
Special RelativitySpecial RelativityThe Need for SpeedThe Need for Speed
1 ≤ ≤
At rest at c
Length Contraction
Time Dilation
Mass Dilation
Special RelativitySpecial RelativityThe Need for SpeedThe Need for Speed
Paradox: a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true.
Special RelativitySpecial RelativityThe Need for SpeedThe Need for Speed
1 ≤ ≤
At rest at c
Imagine the following:
1. Making the distances much longer, and
2. Making the speeds faster, but the much higher.
Special RelativitySpecial RelativityThe Need for SpeedThe Need for Speed
1 ≤ ≤
At rest at c
L0 = 100,000 LY
Astronaut experiences
L = 1.00 LY
(age) = 1.00 year
V = 0.99999999995 c
Special RelativitySpecial RelativityThe Need for SpeedThe Need for Speed
1 ≤ ≤
At rest at c
Can we achieve these high speeds?
In the laboratory, we’ve achieved v = 0.999995 c
What about "real" spacecraft propulsion systems?
1. Nuclear-Thermal propulsion
2. Antimatter propulsion
Special RelativitySpecial RelativityThe Need for SpeedThe Need for Speed
1 ≤ ≤
At rest at c
Can we achieve these high speeds?
In the laboratory, we’ve achieved v = 0.999995 c
What about "real" spacecraft propulsion systems?
1. Nuclear-Thermal propulsion
2. Antimatter propulsion
Bone LossRadiationDamage New Fuels
How are we going to get to Mars?
Long space missions with traditional “chemical” propulsion systems will have devastating effects on astronauts. Atomic, nuclear,and particle propulsion systems must be considered to reduce travel time.
Areas of Concentration
Exotic Propulsion Systems (cont’d)
Nuclear ThermalPropulsion
Antimatter Engines
Ion-Compressed Antimatter Nuclear Engine
Total Mission Duration (Days with 30 days on Surface)
Areas of Concentration
On the web: http://physicsx.pr.erau.edu/SpacePhysics/