Dr. Nathan Inan discusses gravito-electromagnetic effects in superconductors and proposes a new experiment to confirm this prediction. This presentation details ongoing research and  focuses on experimental verification of gravitomagnetic field expulsion. Building upon Bryce DeWitt’s 1966 work, the speaker presents a theoretical framework using linearized general relativity and the Ginsburg-Landau theory to describe the interaction between superconductors and gravitoelectromagnetic fields.

Key concepts include the quantization of gravitomagnetic flux, the gravito-Meissner effect, and the possibility of gravitationally induced propulsion, analogous to the “jumping ring” effect. The speaker identifies challenges in DeWitt’s original calculations and proposes novel experimental setups using a high-speed rotating cylinder and superconducting rings to detect and potentially measure gravitomagnetic effects, highlighting the need for extremely sensitive measurements due to the minuscule magnitudes involved.

Inan emphasizes the importance of considering both motional and transformer EMFs in the context of gravitomagnetism and discusses the potential for a gravitationally induced Hall effect. Collaboration is sought for experimental verification of these theoretical predictions. The research is detailed in a published open-access Frontiers paper.

The Foundation: DeWitt’s Legacy and Beyond

The presentation builds upon the foundational work of Bryce DeWitt’s 1966 paper, “Superconductors and Gravitational Drag,” co-authored with Kip Thorne. This seminal work proposed that superconductors could expel gravitomagnetic fields, a concept analogous to the Meissner effect in electromagnetism. However, the presenter highlights some identified errors in DeWitt’s calculations and challenges certain conclusions, particularly regarding the prediction of induced currents in a superconducting ring near a rotating mass.

Gravitoelectromagnetism: A Physics Primer

Inan provides a clear overview of gravitoelectromagnetism, drawing parallels with electromagnetism. He explains how, within the framework of general relativity, gravitational fields can be described using a four-potential analogous to the electromagnetic four-potential. This allows for the definition of gravitoelectric and gravitomagnetic fields, paving the way for exploring their interaction with superconductors.

Superconductors and the Gravito-Meissner Effect

The core of the presentation focuses on the behavior of superconductors in the presence of gravitomagnetic fields. The speaker meticulously details the application of the Ginsburg-Landau theory to curved spacetime, demonstrating that while superconductors expel magnetic fields (the Meissner effect), the expulsion of gravitomagnetic fields alone is not guaranteed. Instead, the expulsion occurs when both magnetic and gravitomagnetic fields are present, a phenomenon termed the “gravito-Meissner effect.”

Quantization and Experimental Challenges

A key aspect of the research is the quantization of gravitomagnetic flux by a superconducting ring. Inan explores the implications of this quantization, highlighting the significant challenges in designing experiments to detect these minuscule effects. The incredibly weak nature of gravitomagnetic fields necessitates highly sensitive measurement techniques and the use of massive rotating systems to generate measurable fields.

Proposed Experiments: From Flywheels to Satellites

The speaker proposes several experimental setups, including using the world’s largest flywheel energy storage system (a massive rotating cylinder in Japan) and low Earth orbit satellites to measure the gravitomagnetic effects. He meticulously calculates the expected gravitomagnetic flux in these scenarios, emphasizing the extreme sensitivity required for detection.

Re-examining DeWitt’s Model and the Path to Propulsion

The presentation delves into a critical analysis of DeWitt’s model, identifying key assumptions and potential errors. The speaker argues that DeWitt’s model incorrectly assumes zero current density, leading to an incomplete description of the system’s behavior. By correcting these assumptions, the presenter develops a more accurate model that incorporates the crucial role of current density in the superconducting ring.

EMF, the Jumping Ring Analogy, and the Potential for Propulsion

The presentation connects the theoretical framework to the practical possibility of propulsion. Drawing an analogy to the “jumping ring” demonstration (a ring propelled by a changing magnetic field), the speaker explores the potential for using gravitomagnetic fields to induce a current in a superconducting ring, leading to propulsion. While acknowledging the extremely small forces involved, the research opens up exciting avenues for future exploration.

The Gravitationally Induced Hall Effect and Future Directions

Inan also introduces the concept of a gravitationally induced Hall effect, further highlighting the potential for experimental verification of the theoretical predictions. The presentation concludes with a call for collaboration and further research, emphasizing the need for realistic experimental parameters and the potential for future breakthroughs in this exciting field.

Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Future of Propulsion?

This research, while still in its early stages, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the potential for harnessing gravity for propulsion. The meticulous theoretical work, coupled with the proposed experimental setups, provides a roadmap for future investigations. While the challenges are immense, the potential rewards – the ability to manipulate gravity for propulsion – are equally immense. The ongoing research into the interaction between superconductors and gravitoelectromagnetism could revolutionize our understanding of gravity and potentially unlock new frontiers in space exploration.