Re: Fusion drives, fuel consumption, etc.
In reply to #864 Fusion drives, fuel consumption, etc. by Mark Gellis
Slight problem. To a first approximation, Isp=Ve/g (that is, the specific impulse equals the exhuast velocity divided by the acceleration due to gravity at the Earth's surface) This means that the *maximum* Isp is a bit over 3e7 seconds. And it would be achieved by having an exhaust velocity of C! Also your final velocity is determined by your exhaust velocity and mass-ratio. I think it is Vf= ln(Mr)*Ve. Ok, with an Isp of 1e6, Ve = 1e7. so for 2% of c as a final velocity you need a mass-ratio of 1.8.... With Isp=6e5, you need Mr=2.7. not too shabby... All opinions and material above is the responsibility of the originator. Submissions: [email removed], or [email removed] Administrator: [email removed] (James Perkins) The TML is made possible by facilities provided by Tektronix, Inc.