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From: richardt@orstcs.UUCP (richardt)
Newsgroups: net.sf-lovers
Subject: FTL + Bergenholms
Message-ID: <7800039@orstcs.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 8-Aug-85 23:23:00 EDT
Article-I.D.: orstcs.7800039
Posted: Thu Aug  8 23:23:00 1985
Date-Received: Tue, 13-Aug-85 03:03:20 EDT
Organization: Oregon State University - Corvallis, OR
Lines: 51
Nf-ID: #N:orstcs:7800039:000:1826
Nf-From: orstcs!richardt    Aug  8 19:23:00 1985

I was sorting out my library the other day and ran over my copies of the
Lenseman books.  After re-reading the description of Bergenholm inertialess
drives, I thought I'd throw it into the FTL discussion.

************** SPOILER WARNING: This article includes descriptions of
		Lenseman gadgetry -- please note that I think anyone 
		who would read the series only for the gadgetry is 
		about as emotional as a Nevian *********************************

********************  PHYSICS WARNING: Theoretical Physics *********************

Basic operating theory of the Bergenholm Inertialess Drive, Patent No. 
344555267923 :-)  :  
		Relativity applies to ALL objects which possess MASS.
		This is a basic assumption of all the gadgetry which
		Smith uses in the series.  A massless object has
		essentially unlimitable speed, in accordance with
		Newton's Second Law:
		(restated) A = (F-f)/M

		A = Acceleration
		F = Force
		f = Friction
		M = Mass

		Or
		A= (F - VSK)/M
		K = coefficient of friction
		V = velocity
		S = Surface area

		Or

		A = F/M - VKS/M

		Or

		A = F/M - ({A) * KS/M
		{ = integration symbol

Thus, the Bergenholm attacks the relativity problem from the standpoint
that lightspeed is a PRACTICAL limit to motion, as M increases as V increases,
eventually causing F to reach infinity (given infinite time)...i.e., the
think hit's insurmountable force requirements.  Time dilation is seen as
yet another property of mass.  By nuetralizing inertia (an inherent property
of mass, i.e. nuetralizing MASS) the only limit to velocity is the Force
required to overcome friction.  In theory, this is a potential solution.
We don't know 1) how to overcome inertia; 2) if time dilation still stays
with you; or 3) if there's an easier way to do all this.
				orstcs!richardt
"There's got to be a shorter path!"