Post by Destecado on Aug 19, 2004 8:07:16 GMT -5
The aims of this thread are to discuss the possibility of utilizing the zero point field as a means of propulsion and power generation for eldar ships. I will start by providing the basic information behind the zero point field theory. Rather than using long mathematic equations and diagrams, which unfortunately have the tendency to send many people running from the hills, I will try to provide as much information as possible through the current analogies and explanations used by the scientific community.
Of course "modern" science will not do for explaining the 40k universe, so the second part of the discussion will center around how to translate the theoretical data and explain it in terms of the 40k universe. The hope is to give parameters for how much power or thrust might be generated by a given sized ship or field so that numbers can be generated to represent differing sized power plants in eldar ships. So without further ado...on with the show.
Quantum physics predicts the existence of an underlying sea of zero-point energy at every point in the universe. This sea of energy is also referred to as the electromagnetic quantum vacuum. From this perspective, the ordinary world of matter and energy is like foam atop the quantum vacuum sea.
The theories behind the Zero Point Field are based off of the principles of quantum mechanics. There have been as many detractors as supporters of Quantum Theory and the principles that underlie it, but the theory has recently received a shot in the arm based on current work that is being done on Quantum Computers.
Quantum computers use many of the same principles as those used to define the Zero Point Field. Among these is the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Without going into too much detail (this principle could take up several pages by itself) it simply states, [with regard to subatomic particles] the more precisely the position is determined, the less precisely the momentum is known in a given instant 9snap shot of time) and vice versa.
It further states that no quantum object can ever be brought completely to rest due to quantum fluctuations. This vibrational energy that molecules retain even at absolute zero temperature [minus 273oC] is what is termed zero point energy.
Because it exists in a vacuum, zero point energy is said to be uniform and identical in all directions. Also the intensity of the energy field increases without limit as the frequency increases resulting in an infinite energy density for the radiation spectrum. With the introduction of the zero point energy into the classical electron theory, a vacuum at a temperature of absolute zero is no longer considered empty of all electromagnetic fields. Instead, the vacuum is now considered as filled with randomly fluctuating fields having the zero point energy spectrum.
The special characteristics of zero point energy are that it has a virtually infinite energy density and that it is ever present in outer space. However, because high energy densities exist at very high frequencies, and because conventional methods are only able to convert or extract energy effectively or efficiently at lower frequencies, effectively tapping this energy source is currently unavailable. This is not to say that it may not some day we may not be able to do so. If you look at the progression of energy generation, nuclear power a mere three generations ago may have seemed impossible.
This is all well and good for the matters of energy production, but how you may ask does this translate into a propulsion drive. Recent discoveries may point to a relationship between the zero point field and inertia. Scientists have actually been able to derive the Newtonian equation F=ma through quantum mechanics. It is theorized that zero point fluctuations could be the underlying cause of inertia.
Newtonian Physics has assumed that all matter possesses an innate mass, the m in Newton's equation. The mass of an object is a measure of its inertia, its resistance to acceleration . Newton's second law, states that if you apply a force [F] to an object you will get an acceleration , but the more mass [m] the object possesses, the less acceleration you will obtain for a given force. In other words, a force it takes to accelerate a shopping cart to a high speed will barely budge a car. For any given force[F] if the mass [m] increases, the acceleration decreases, and vice versa.
In the Zero Point Theory matter resists acceleration not because it possesses mass, but because the zero point field exerts a force whenever acceleration takes place. Mass is, in effect, an illusion. Matter seems to be solid and stable stuff due to the force generated by the zero point field that opposes acceleration when you push on any material object. To better illustrate this idea, imagine swinging a tennis racket. Then imagine swinging a tennis racket under water. The force needed to swing the racket at the same speed has increased, but the mass of the racket has not. It is the medium through which it travels that has changed.
This is where the potential for propulsion arises. As was stated earlier, the zero point field is uniform throughout the vacuum of space. If it were possible to manipulate the density of the zero point field around an object, it would then be possible to change the effects of inertia upon said object. This asymmetrical field would create an area of low density and one of higher density. The natural tendency of the zero point field would be to return to homeostasis (uniformity). It would therefore attempt to flow back towards the area of lower density. The ship carried on this sea of energy would be moved in the direction of the lower density, thus achieving acceleration.
The area of lower density need not be directly ahead of the ship. Radical course changes and maneuvers for which eldar ships are know could be achieved by changing the path or direction of the area of low density. Solar winds from stars would affect this drive system, because the energy they emit affects the density of the surrounding energy field.
As a side note, since gravity and inertia are inextricably intertwined this new concept of inertia may also point towards a new understanding of gravity. If inertia might be manipulated, then so to perhaps gravity. this might provide not only artificial gravity for ships in space, but anti gravity as well. What are people’s thoughts on the concept?
First off, I'm going to have to unfortunately get to this thread at a later time. I'm zonked at the moment. Secondly, I was forced to move this thread to General Chat/Discussion. While it is a fascinating thread and some might see it as a demotion (which it is not), the purpose of the Factory is to build things. Weapon and equipment designs, ships or whatever, as long as they are within a system. Discussion focussed around the specifics of design are fine, but this type of thing must at this point be moved... It may at a later point be moved back depending on the nature of the discussion.
Moving it to General Chat/Discussion is perfectly fine. As you have said, at the moment I'm trying to make sure that we nail down the basic principles and theories behind the system. Once we move into practical application it can be moved back or another thread can be started.
Of course "modern" science will not do for explaining the 40k universe, so the second part of the discussion will center around how to translate the theoretical data and explain it in terms of the 40k universe. The hope is to give parameters for how much power or thrust might be generated by a given sized ship or field so that numbers can be generated to represent differing sized power plants in eldar ships. So without further ado...on with the show.
Quantum physics predicts the existence of an underlying sea of zero-point energy at every point in the universe. This sea of energy is also referred to as the electromagnetic quantum vacuum. From this perspective, the ordinary world of matter and energy is like foam atop the quantum vacuum sea.
The theories behind the Zero Point Field are based off of the principles of quantum mechanics. There have been as many detractors as supporters of Quantum Theory and the principles that underlie it, but the theory has recently received a shot in the arm based on current work that is being done on Quantum Computers.
Quantum computers use many of the same principles as those used to define the Zero Point Field. Among these is the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Without going into too much detail (this principle could take up several pages by itself) it simply states, [with regard to subatomic particles] the more precisely the position is determined, the less precisely the momentum is known in a given instant 9snap shot of time) and vice versa.
It further states that no quantum object can ever be brought completely to rest due to quantum fluctuations. This vibrational energy that molecules retain even at absolute zero temperature [minus 273oC] is what is termed zero point energy.
Because it exists in a vacuum, zero point energy is said to be uniform and identical in all directions. Also the intensity of the energy field increases without limit as the frequency increases resulting in an infinite energy density for the radiation spectrum. With the introduction of the zero point energy into the classical electron theory, a vacuum at a temperature of absolute zero is no longer considered empty of all electromagnetic fields. Instead, the vacuum is now considered as filled with randomly fluctuating fields having the zero point energy spectrum.
The special characteristics of zero point energy are that it has a virtually infinite energy density and that it is ever present in outer space. However, because high energy densities exist at very high frequencies, and because conventional methods are only able to convert or extract energy effectively or efficiently at lower frequencies, effectively tapping this energy source is currently unavailable. This is not to say that it may not some day we may not be able to do so. If you look at the progression of energy generation, nuclear power a mere three generations ago may have seemed impossible.
This is all well and good for the matters of energy production, but how you may ask does this translate into a propulsion drive. Recent discoveries may point to a relationship between the zero point field and inertia. Scientists have actually been able to derive the Newtonian equation F=ma through quantum mechanics. It is theorized that zero point fluctuations could be the underlying cause of inertia.
Newtonian Physics has assumed that all matter possesses an innate mass, the m in Newton's equation. The mass of an object is a measure of its inertia, its resistance to acceleration . Newton's second law, states that if you apply a force [F] to an object you will get an acceleration , but the more mass [m] the object possesses, the less acceleration you will obtain for a given force. In other words, a force it takes to accelerate a shopping cart to a high speed will barely budge a car. For any given force[F] if the mass [m] increases, the acceleration decreases, and vice versa.
In the Zero Point Theory matter resists acceleration not because it possesses mass, but because the zero point field exerts a force whenever acceleration takes place. Mass is, in effect, an illusion. Matter seems to be solid and stable stuff due to the force generated by the zero point field that opposes acceleration when you push on any material object. To better illustrate this idea, imagine swinging a tennis racket. Then imagine swinging a tennis racket under water. The force needed to swing the racket at the same speed has increased, but the mass of the racket has not. It is the medium through which it travels that has changed.
This is where the potential for propulsion arises. As was stated earlier, the zero point field is uniform throughout the vacuum of space. If it were possible to manipulate the density of the zero point field around an object, it would then be possible to change the effects of inertia upon said object. This asymmetrical field would create an area of low density and one of higher density. The natural tendency of the zero point field would be to return to homeostasis (uniformity). It would therefore attempt to flow back towards the area of lower density. The ship carried on this sea of energy would be moved in the direction of the lower density, thus achieving acceleration.
The area of lower density need not be directly ahead of the ship. Radical course changes and maneuvers for which eldar ships are know could be achieved by changing the path or direction of the area of low density. Solar winds from stars would affect this drive system, because the energy they emit affects the density of the surrounding energy field.
As a side note, since gravity and inertia are inextricably intertwined this new concept of inertia may also point towards a new understanding of gravity. If inertia might be manipulated, then so to perhaps gravity. this might provide not only artificial gravity for ships in space, but anti gravity as well. What are people’s thoughts on the concept?
First off, I'm going to have to unfortunately get to this thread at a later time. I'm zonked at the moment. Secondly, I was forced to move this thread to General Chat/Discussion. While it is a fascinating thread and some might see it as a demotion (which it is not), the purpose of the Factory is to build things. Weapon and equipment designs, ships or whatever, as long as they are within a system. Discussion focussed around the specifics of design are fine, but this type of thing must at this point be moved... It may at a later point be moved back depending on the nature of the discussion.
Moving it to General Chat/Discussion is perfectly fine. As you have said, at the moment I'm trying to make sure that we nail down the basic principles and theories behind the system. Once we move into practical application it can be moved back or another thread can be started.