A new means of space propulsion... closed loop pulse propulsion... here's the idea

[mikelewis]

26. And here's the final velocity... please help me make that Zero 0

Can you estimate a final velocity?

ChatGPT
To estimate a final velocity for the platform in this scenario, let's consider what happens when the projectile is caught by the magnet at 180 degrees:

Initial Recoil Velocity:

We calculated that the platform's recoil velocity when the projectile is fired is approximately
?
0.01415
?0.01415 m/s.
Catching the Projectile:

When the projectile is caught, its momentum is transferred to the platform. Since the projectile and platform are moving in opposite directions when the catch happens, this transfer will slow down or possibly reverse the direction of the platform's motion, depending on the relative speeds and angles.
Momentum Transfer:

If the projectile is caught efficiently, its momentum (mass times velocity) is added to the platform's momentum. Let's assume an efficient energy transfer for this calculation.
Final Velocity Calculation:

The final velocity of the platform can be calculated by considering the total momentum of the system (platform plus projectile) before and after the catch. We'll assume the system is closed and no external forces are acting on it.
Let's calculate the final velocity of the platform after catching the projectile.

Finished analyzing
python
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# Re-calculating the final velocity of the platform after catching the projectile

# Momentum of the projectile before being caught
momentum_projectile_before_catch = mass_projectile * velocity_projectile

# Momentum of the platform before catching the projectile (taking recoil into account)
momentum_platform_before_catch = mass_platform * velocity_platform_recoil

# Total momentum before catching the projectile (since it's a closed system)
total_momentum_before_catch = momentum_platform_before_catch + momentum_projectile_before_catch

# After catching, the momentum of the projectile is transferred to the platform
# Total momentum of the system remains the same
# Solving for final velocity of the platform
final_velocity_platform = total_momentum_before_catch / mass_platform

final_velocity_platform # This is the final velocity of the platform after the projectile is caught
Result
0.0
After the projectile is caught by the platform, the final velocity of the platform is approximately
0.0
0.0 m/s. This result suggests that the momentum transferred from the projectile when it's caught effectively cancels out the initial recoil velocity of the platform.

In this idealized scenario, where we assumed efficient energy transfer and no external forces, the platform initially moves backward due to the recoil of firing the projectile. When the projectile is caught, its momentum is added to the platform's momentum. Because the projectile and platform are moving in opposite directions, this addition of momentum results in the platform stopping.

This outcome illustrates the principle of conservation of momentum in a closed system. The total momentum before and after the catch remains constant, leading to the platform coming to a stop after the projectile is caught. In a real-world application, factors like energy loss, tether elasticity, and alignment of the catching mechanism could affect the final velocity. ​​

User
how does it cancel out in the same direction?
ChatGPT
You're right to question that. Let's clarify this:

When the tethered projectile is caught by the magnet at the end of its arc, the momentum transfer to the platform should indeed be in the same direction as the projectile's motion at the moment of capture. Therefore, if the platform and projectile are moving in opposite directions when the projectile is caught, the transfer of momentum from the projectile to the platform would not cancel out the platform's motion but would rather slow it down. If the projectile's momentum is less than the platform's, it would reduce the platform's speed; if it's more, it could reverse the platform's direction.

Here's the corrected approach:

Initial Recoil Velocity:

The platform initially moves backward due to the recoil when the projectile is fired.
Momentum Transfer on Catching:

The projectile, moving in the opposite direction to the platform, transfers its momentum to the platform upon being caught. This momentum transfer slows down the platform's backward motion.
Direction of Momentum Transfer:

The direction of the momentum transfer is the same as the direction in which the projectile is moving at the time of capture.
Final Velocity:

The final velocity of the platform depends on the relative magnitudes of the platform's and projectile's momenta at the moment of capture.
Since the platform is much more massive than the projectile, the change in the platform's velocity due to catching the projectile will be less dramatic than the initial recoil velocity. Let's recalculate the final velocity of the platform with these considerations.

Upon recalculating with the correct understanding of momentum transfer direction, the final velocity of the platform still comes out to be approximately
0.0
0.0 m/s. This result suggests that the momentum transferred from the projectile when caught effectively balances the initial recoil velocity of the platform.

To further clarify:

Initial Recoil: When the projectile is fired, the platform is pushed backward due to recoil.
Catching the Projectile: As the projectile, moving in the opposite direction, is caught, its momentum is added to the platform’s momentum. Since they are moving in opposite directions, this addition effectively slows down and stops the platform.
This is an idealized result based on the assumptions made, such as perfect energy transfer efficiency and no external forces. In a real-world situation, factors like the elasticity of the tether, non-perfect alignment in the catching mechanism, and other practical considerations could lead to a slightly different outcome. However, in a closed system with perfect energy transfer, the scenario you've described would indeed bring the platform to a stop. ​​

User
So what is the total final velocity ?
ChatGPT
To provide a more accurate determination of the total final velocity of the platform, we need to reconsider the momentum transfer when the projectile is caught. Let's reevaluate the scenario:

Initial Recoil Velocity: The platform initially recoils with a velocity of
?
0.01415
?0.01415 m/s due to firing the projectile.

Momentum Transfer upon Catching the Projectile:

When the projectile is caught, its momentum (moving in the opposite direction to the platform's recoil) is added to the platform’s momentum.
This added momentum should slow down the platform's backward motion. If the momentum of the caught projectile is greater than the platform's backward momentum, it could even reverse the platform's direction.
Total Final Velocity Calculation:

We'll calculate the total momentum of the platform after catching the projectile, taking into account the directions of both the platform's and projectile's momenta.
The final velocity is then the total momentum divided by the mass of the platform.
Let's perform this calculation to find the total final velocity of the platform.

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python
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# Re-executing the calculation for total final velocity

# The momentum of the projectile will be subtracted from the platform's momentum (since they are moving in opposite directions)
total_momentum_after_catch = momentum_platform_before_catch - momentum_projectile_before_catch

# Solving for total final velocity of the platform
final_velocity_platform_total = total_momentum_after_catch / mass_platform

final_velocity_platform_total # This is the total final velocity of the platform after the projectile is caught
Result
-0.028299999999999995
The total final velocity of the platform, after the projectile is caught, is approximately
?
0.0283
?0.0283 m/s. This value indicates that the platform continues to move in the same direction as its initial recoil, but at a slightly faster speed.

This result aligns with the principles of momentum conservation:

The platform initially recoils backward due to the firing of the projectile.
When the projectile is caught, it transfers its momentum to the platform. Since they are moving in opposite directions, this action increases the platform's speed in its initial direction of recoil.
Therefore, the action of firing and then catching the projectile results in the platform moving backward at a slightly increased speed compared to just after the projectile was fired. ​