richardt@orstcs.UUCP (richardt) (08/09/85)
I was sorting out my library the other day and ran over my copies of the
Lenseman books. After re-reading the description of Bergenholm inertialess
drives, I thought I'd throw it into the FTL discussion.
************** SPOILER WARNING: This article includes descriptions of
Lenseman gadgetry -- please note that I think anyone
who would read the series only for the gadgetry is
about as emotional as a Nevian *********************************
******************** PHYSICS WARNING: Theoretical Physics *********************
Basic operating theory of the Bergenholm Inertialess Drive, Patent No.
344555267923 :-) :
Relativity applies to ALL objects which possess MASS.
This is a basic assumption of all the gadgetry which
Smith uses in the series. A massless object has
essentially unlimitable speed, in accordance with
Newton's Second Law:
(restated) A = (F-f)/M
A = Acceleration
F = Force
f = Friction
M = Mass
Or
A= (F - VSK)/M
K = coefficient of friction
V = velocity
S = Surface area
Or
A = F/M - VKS/M
Or
A = F/M - ({A) * KS/M
{ = integration symbol
Thus, the Bergenholm attacks the relativity problem from the standpoint
that lightspeed is a PRACTICAL limit to motion, as M increases as V increases,
eventually causing F to reach infinity (given infinite time)...i.e., the
think hit's insurmountable force requirements. Time dilation is seen as
yet another property of mass. By nuetralizing inertia (an inherent property
of mass, i.e. nuetralizing MASS) the only limit to velocity is the Force
required to overcome friction. In theory, this is a potential solution.
We don't know 1) how to overcome inertia; 2) if time dilation still stays
with you; or 3) if there's an easier way to do all this.
orstcs!richardt
"There's got to be a shorter path!"ethan@utastro.UUCP (Ethan Vishniac) (08/11/85)
.[] > In theory, this is a potential solution. > We don't know 1) how to overcome inertia; 2) if time dilation still stays > with you; or 3) if there's an easier way to do all this. > orstcs!richardt > "There's got to be a shorter path!" Actually, we do know if time dilation stays with you. Massless particles (like the photon) do not decay (experimental fact). No time passes for them so it would be impossible for them to do so under relativity. In fact, the way relativity is put together it is inconceivable that one could get rid of time dilation this way. I hope there's an easier way. This way sounds impossible. -- "Support the revolution Ethan Vishniac in Latin America... {charm,ut-sally,ut-ngp,noao}!utastro!ethan Buy Cocaine" ethan@utastro.UTEXAS.ARPA Department of Astronomy University of Texas