Skip to main content
Log in

Electromagnetic-gravitational energy systems

  • Research Articles
  • Published:
General Relativity and Gravitation Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Two methods axe considered to “tap” the earths' rotational energy. This ancient “collapsed gravitational energy” exceeds the earth-lunar binding energy. One involves an orbiting “electromagnetic-gravitational” coupling system whereby the earth's rotation, with its nonuniform mass distribution, first uses gravity to add orbital energy to a satellite, similar to a planetary “flyby.rd The second stage involves enhanced satellite “drag” as current-carrying coils withdraw the added orbital energy as they pass through the earth's nonuniform magnetic field. A second more direct method couples the earth's rotational motion using conducting wires moving through the noncorotating part (ionospheric current systems) of the geomagnetic field. These methods, although not immediately feasible, are considerably more efficient than using pure gravitational coupling to earth-moon tides.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Morabito, L. A., Synnott, S. P., Kupferman, P. N., and Collins, S. A. (1979).Science,240, 972.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Peale, S. J., Cassen, P., and Reynolds, R. T. (1970).Science,230, 892.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Ness, N. F., Acuna, M. H., Lepping, R. P., Burlaga, L. F., Behannon, K. W., and Neu-bauer, F. M. (1979).Science,204, 982.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Gold, T. (1979).Science,206, 1070.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Jackson, J. P. (1962).Classical Electrodynamics (John Wiley & Sons, London), 2nd ed.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Kaula, W. M. (1965).The Space of the Earth, in Introduction to Space Science, ed. Hess, W. N. (Gordon and Breach, New York), p. 297.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Kaula, W. M. (1966).Theory of Satellite Geodesy (Blaisdell Publishing Co., Waltham Massachusetts).

    Google Scholar 

  8. Kaula, W. M. (1962). “Celestial Geodesy,” NASA Tn D-1155.

  9. Chapman, S., and Bartels, J. (1940).Geomagnetism, Vols. I and II (Oxford ùniversity Press, London, first published 1940, rev. 1962).

    Google Scholar 

  10. “Solar Power System, Concept Development and Evaluation Program” (1978). U.S. D.O.E./ER-0023, p. B61.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Schatten, K.H. Electromagnetic-gravitational energy systems. Gen Relat Gravit 13, 561–567 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00757242

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00757242

Keywords

Navigation