Comment Re:No quite yet. (Score 1) 356
I'm not sure what formula you are using. The most simplistic thrust formula you'll see is T=me*Ue+Ae(Pe-Po) where Po is zero in space, m is the time derivative of mass exiting the spacecraft, and Ae is the area of the exit nozzle. This doesn't exactly apply to non-fluid mechanics though.
If you're slowing down the particles and generating a magnetic field, there's not necessarily any momentum transfered to the spacecraft. Kinetic energy can be exchange for a lot of stuff, heat, electric charge, and of course, an opposing force.
If you're slowing down the particles and generating a magnetic field, there's not necessarily any momentum transfered to the spacecraft. Kinetic energy can be exchange for a lot of stuff, heat, electric charge, and of course, an opposing force.