EDTs are long
conducting wires that operate on the
principles of an electromagnetic field. They
convert the kinetic energy to electric energy
or vice versa. This is because EDT's can be
used as a type of generator or a type of
motor. As a generator it transforms the
kinetic energy to electrical energy; and as a
motor it transforms its electric energy to
kinetic energy. There is a force that is
generated across the tether as it moves. "The
force is given by Faraday's Law of Induction":
With the assumption that the tether is in
Orbit as it moves relative to the Earth's
Magnetic Field, there is another force known
called the Lorentz force which can be
calculated by the equation below
Below is a image showing these forces and how
they move in relation to each other.
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http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/175230-japan-is-preparing-to-launch-a-giant-magnetic-net-that-will-trawl-space-for-junk
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Electrodynamic Tethers can also
be used for a topic called tether propulsion.
Tether propulsion is when a long strong
conductor such as a tether can change the
orbit of a satellite or spacecraft. This works
because the wire is conductive and when a
large current is put into the wire, that
current reacts with the magnetic field and
puts out a force known as the Lorentz force.
This is shown in the image above as well. This
type of maneuvering system would be much
cheaper than the standard fueled system used
in today's spacecrafts.
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