Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: The Scientist on 17/07/2010 16:40:41

Title: Is there a possible method to reduce all friction and resistance from an object?
Post by: The Scientist on 17/07/2010 16:40:41

Please share your views with us. Thank you for participating!

Title: Is there a possible method to reduce all friction and resistance from an object?
Post by: RD on 17/07/2010 18:36:22

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_bearings

Title: Is there a possible method to reduce all friction and resistance from an object?
Post by: Bored chemist on 17/07/2010 18:51:34

Magnetic bearings are good, but not perfect. There are still eddy current losses.
Of course, there's an easy way to ensure that friction doesn't slow something down. Make sure it is stationary to begin with.

Title: Is there a possible method to reduce all friction and resistance from an object?
Post by: JP on 18/07/2010 05:36:12

I suppose using a superconductor to levitate an object might count, since superconductors don't (in theory) lose energy to eddy currents, since they have zero resistance to current flow.  I suspect it would beat magnetic bearings (unless your bearings were superconducting).  Of course, in practice, nothing's perfect as BC pointed out. 

Title: Is there a possible method to reduce all friction and resistance from an object?
Post by: Soul Surfer on 18/07/2010 09:36:22

Yes, go into space. The lack of air resistance means that things continue to move almost for ever.  thats about the best you can do.

In the atmosphere and on a flat surface air bearings and hovercraft are about the best you can do over a large area but air esistance is always there.