Propulsion Without Propellent Mass; a Time-Varying Electromagnetic Field Effect

Abstract

A propulsion generated without propellent mass and external forces using a well known physics is possible theoretically. To do that, it is proposed to use two specific time-varying and constrained distributions of electric charges which own a symmetry axis and are adequately separated in space. Total charge of each distribution is zero. With a relative temporal phase-shift between them, an asymmetry into the far fields momentum variation rate distribution along the symmetry axis can be induced. Consequently, an electromagnetic propulsive force is generated and applied over both charge distributions in a same direction along the axis-say. Magnetic part of this force is dissipative because closely related to energy lost by radiation. But its electric counterpart gives a conservative contribution to the propulsive force with no associated energy losses at zero velocity. Momentum conservation law for the entire system; the two charge distributions and fields, is respected because all far fields; radiation ones and relativistic correction one, are taken into account. If radiation and other energy losses could be minimized, such a conservative propulsive force could help to realize fast and long space journeys.