In reply to Harry Veeder's message of Sun, 11 Feb 2007 21:29:09 -0500: Hi, [snip] >> of hydrocarbons. At least until we conquer anti-gravity, at which point they >> will also be replaced, because AG craft can be powered from an electrical >> source, which in turn can be derived from CF. Of course something like a >> NERVA/jet engine cross, where the power is supplied by CF might also >> eliminate >> hydrocarbon consumption in jets. >> >> Regards, >> >> Robin van Spaandonk > >There something called magneto-hydrodynamic propulsion for submarines. >Is that similiar to this NERVA/jet engine?
Not that I am aware of. Magneto-hydrodynamic propulsion makes use of crossed electric and magnetic fields to propel semi-conductive sea water through a tube. AFAIK it is very energy intensive, and not very powerful or efficient. NERVA is a nuclear powered rocket concept, where a nuclear reactor is used to provide heat to heat up hydrogen (I think). Ed, please verify/clarify as required. A cross between NERVA and a jet engine would heat air instead of Hydrogen. CF would replace the fission power source. Regards, Robin van Spaandonk http://users.bigpond.net.au/rvanspaa/ Competition provides the motivation, Cooperation provides the means.
