Is a Plasma Shield Possible for Military Vehicles?

In summary, it is theoretically possible to create a plasma shield using Radio Frequency from a microwave and magnets with the right ratio of pull and push. However, this would require a significant amount of energy and would not be effective against solid projectiles. It may be useful for shielding against radio waves, but not for military purposes.
  • #1
Kalrag
104
0
Is it possible to make a plasma shield by using Radio Frequency from a microwave and making plasma. I know that part is possible, here's the tricky part. Having magnets with the right ratio of pull and push so the plasma can "shield" an object. So, is it possible?
 
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  • #2
Yes, the general idea is theoretically possible. It would be hard and extremely energy-costly.

How does one use RF to make a plasma? Radio isn't ionizing radiation.
 
  • #3
EM radiation is ionizing at sufficient energies. At extremely high frequencies, e.g. gamma or x-ray, a single photon is ionizing. At RF frequencies, you need sufficient electric field to cause ionization, but you can still have ionizing microwaves, for example. It's been done.
 
  • #4
Kalrag said:
Is it possible to make a plasma shield by using Radio Frequency from a microwave and making plasma. I know that part is possible, here's the tricky part. Having magnets with the right ratio of pull and push so the plasma can "shield" an object. So, is it possible?

What do you want to shield against?
 
  • #5
It would hopefully be made as a sheild for tanks and vehicles that would have to take bullets and rockets.
 
  • #6
Kalrag said:
It would hopefully be made as a sheild for tanks and vehicles that would have to take bullets and rockets.

That's what I thought. An ionized gas isn't going to shield against solid projectiles. It will shield against radio waves pretty well (like the radio "blackout" period for the Space Shuttle returning into our atmosphere), but that's no help against solid military weapons.
 

Related to Is a Plasma Shield Possible for Military Vehicles?

1. What is a plasma shield?

A plasma shield is a protective barrier made of ionized gas, also known as plasma. This type of shield is used to protect against various forms of energy, such as radiation or electromagnetic pulses.

2. How does a plasma shield work?

A plasma shield works by creating a layer of ionized gas around an object, which can absorb and deflect incoming energy. This is achieved by using a magnetic field to contain the plasma and control its movement.

3. Is it possible to create a plasma shield?

Yes, it is possible to create a plasma shield. In fact, scientists have already developed and tested various types of plasma shields for different applications, such as protecting spacecraft from radiation.

4. What are the potential uses for a plasma shield?

Plasma shields have a wide range of potential uses, including protecting astronauts from radiation in space, shielding electronic devices from electromagnetic pulses, and even defending against laser weapons.

5. Are there any limitations to using a plasma shield?

While plasma shields have many benefits, there are also limitations to their use. For example, they require a constant power source to maintain the plasma, and they may not be effective against all forms of energy.

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