Propelling force of Atomic Blast?

In summary, the question is how fast a spaceship could travel in space if it was protected from the effects of an atomic blast. According to the Project Orion concept, even if the bomb is not directly connected to the spaceship, the radiation and vaporized casing could propel the ship at high speeds. With multiple bombs, the spaceship could potentially reach the velocity of the vaporized casing.
  • #1
Christina2015
1
0
Assuming a spaceship could be impervious to the damaging effects of a nearby atomic blast, what speed could the ship reach in space due to the explosion? Interested to know how to figure that.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #3
When you say "nearby", is the bomb directly connected, such as Orion? If it is simply nearby, the major effect on the spaceship would be radiation. There would not be any blast effect (vacuum).
 
  • #4
But even if the bomb was not directly connected, the vaporized casing would impinge on the pusher plate (say) of the space craft. It seems with enough bombs the ship would approach the velocity of the vaporized casing.
 
  • #5
Aaronvan said:
But even if the bomb was not directly connected, the vaporized casing would impinge on the pusher plate (say) of the space craft. It seems with enough bombs the ship would approach the velocity of the vaporized casing.

With multiple bombs the ship is not limited to the velocity of the bomb fragments, for the same reason that the speed of a rocket is not limited by its exhaust velocity.
 

Related to Propelling force of Atomic Blast?

What is an atomic blast?

An atomic blast, also known as a nuclear explosion, is a powerful release of energy from a nuclear reaction. It typically occurs when the nuclei of atoms are split, releasing a large amount of heat, light, and radiation.

What is the propelling force of an atomic blast?

The propelling force of an atomic blast is the energy released from the nuclear reaction. This energy is in the form of heat and radiation, which causes a rapid expansion of gases and creates a shock wave that propels debris and air outward from the blast site.

How does the propelling force of an atomic blast compare to other explosions?

The propelling force of an atomic blast is much greater than other conventional explosions. This is because the energy released from nuclear reactions is much more concentrated and powerful than chemical reactions.

What factors affect the propelling force of an atomic blast?

The propelling force of an atomic blast is primarily affected by the size and type of the nuclear device, as well as the location and conditions of the explosion. Other factors such as altitude, terrain, and weather can also impact the force of the blast.

What are the potential effects of the propelling force of an atomic blast?

The propelling force of an atomic blast can cause devastating effects, including destruction of buildings and infrastructure, extreme heat and radiation, and widespread damage and casualties. It can also have long-term effects such as radiation poisoning and environmental damage.

Similar threads

  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
1
Views
896
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
2
Replies
48
Views
6K
Replies
3
Views
975
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Science Fiction and Fantasy Media
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
932
  • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
10
Views
2K
Back
Top