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a different type of shield is necessary ... Constructed mainly of high-tech , impact-absorbing materials
if the first layer is particularly tough, it may provide very tough debris that can puncture the second layer.
E=MC2 suggests that ejecting or transforming energy uni-directionally , could yield results similar to ejecting matter .
The easiest approach appears to be a linear set-up using two opposed steel "Massive Walls" , with opposed launchers between them . One launches a beanbag , while simultaneously , the other launches a same-weight pinball . The beanbag imparts over half it's kinetic energy to it's wall , while the pinball imparts under %2 to it's wall . A mechanical setup to repeat this process continuously , yields a net push in the direction of the bean-bag wall . This is the heart of the ideal spacecraft propulsion system . More thorough analysis of this subject is contained in thread "Can we feel gravity from objects at different velocities ?" . Bottom line ? The "Epstein Drive" is definitely a real thing !
Ah , Mr. Earthbound , we had this conversation before .
It's really all about the tricks .
Now then , the R.D. . If the pinball and beanbag are same-weight , and are fired simultaneously , but in opposite directions , they cancel, inducing no net force upon the ship . Counter-firing is the first trick . When the bag strikes it's Massive Wall , it gives it a serious push , due to the long contact time .
It then drifts weakly back to it's launcher .
When the steel ball hits it's Massive Wall , it bounces back almost as fast . It then hits a secondary sand-containing "splat" wall , depositing most of it's energy in THAT wall . This is the second "trick"
Calculate out what I've said , THEN respond .
Calculate out what I've said ,
Which way does the " Hard-Head " ship jerk ( and drift ) ?
At any rate , I'll stick with the established " Massive Wall with elastic/inelastic collision " physics.
The steel chunk bounces off , imparting very little inertia to the Newmen's ship .
Hey Rocky , watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat !Hokay , hokay , hokay ! The steel chunk bounces off , imparting very little inertia to the Newmen's ship . The flying spit-storm , however , has given it a good , stinky shove . The steel chunk then hits a massive-plate mounted on an antenna . It bounces back at the ship , hits the ear-side again ( still over %90 of initial inertia ) , then hits a sand-board mounted on the antenna . This shoves the big-eared Newman ship in the same direction as the sandbag ! Now dig this , both objects were launched from the ship on bungee cords by grinning crewmembers , as a traditional salute to strangers ! They were launched mirror-image so the ship would not be torqued .
After the objects had both spent their energy , and were drifting , they were slowly pulled back on board by intelligent mice .
Have No-Ether calculate the kinetic energies for the puppy up above ! I did long ago , that's why I'm now grinning like a fool ! P.M.