davetheflyer
New Member
I think that most of us would agree that oil is a big problem. It is a security issue because most of the world's oil is found in politically unstable areas. Oil is related not only to our economy's stability, and many of our jobs and job prospects through the cost of jet fuel, but also our ecology, because oil-based fuels are not clean burning.
The question is what to do about it.
In the short term, we can explore and harvest oil in more secure areas of the world. But eventually, we are going to need something else.
Hydrogen fuel cells have been touted as the possible powerplants for future cars. They are currently used in submarines, so they can move some heavy equipment.
My big question is would fuel cells be able to efficiently power an airliner? Can they possess the thrust to weight needed for safely moving an airplane the size of a 777 from one continent to another? If not, what can we look forward to?
I have read in the past that some research was done in 60s on a nuclear powered airplane. This research ended before the plane ever flew. This was probably a good thing. Nuclear power is one thing when we are talking about a stationary plant or a slow moving ship, but an airplane cruising at 800 mph is something altogether different.
I know that some of you have scientific and engineering backgrounds, so fire away!
The question is what to do about it.
In the short term, we can explore and harvest oil in more secure areas of the world. But eventually, we are going to need something else.
Hydrogen fuel cells have been touted as the possible powerplants for future cars. They are currently used in submarines, so they can move some heavy equipment.
My big question is would fuel cells be able to efficiently power an airliner? Can they possess the thrust to weight needed for safely moving an airplane the size of a 777 from one continent to another? If not, what can we look forward to?
I have read in the past that some research was done in 60s on a nuclear powered airplane. This research ended before the plane ever flew. This was probably a good thing. Nuclear power is one thing when we are talking about a stationary plant or a slow moving ship, but an airplane cruising at 800 mph is something altogether different.
I know that some of you have scientific and engineering backgrounds, so fire away!