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arXiv:0712.1649gr-qc

Warp Drive: A New Approach

Richard Obousy, Gerald Cleaver

Early discovery. Linked by one identifiable commenter. This paper is outside the main ranking; a mention is not an endorsement.

Abstract

Certain classes of higher dimensional models suggest that the Casimir Effect is a candidate for the cosmological constant. In this paper we demonstrate that a sufficiently advanced civilization could, in principal, manipulate the radius of the extra dimension to locally adjust the value of the cosmological constant. This adjustment could be tuned to generate an expansion/contraction of spacetime around a spacecraft creating an exotic form of field-propulsion. Due to the fact that spacetime expansion itself is not restricted by relativity, a faster-than-light 'warp drive' could be created. Calculations of the energy requirements of such a drive are performed and an 'ultimate' speed limit, based on the Planckian limits on the size of the extra dimensions is found.

arXiv comments
15 pages. To be published in JBIS
Journal reference
DOI
Subjects
gr-qcGeneral Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

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  1. Warp Speed Engine Designed 1 comment

    • It is an interesting idea from science fiction point of view. The aim of this paper is not to discuss the plausibility of warp drive, the questions associated with violation of the null energy condition, or issues regarding causality. The aim of this paper is to suggest that a…

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