Turning outgoing energy into a measurable reaction
The final proposed stage aligns the energized output and releases it aft so that equal and opposite momentum transfer may provide thrust.
Known effects vs. proposed extrapolation
Collimation, beam divergence and photon momentum are physical, measurable concepts. For conventional outgoing electromagnetic radiation, an ideal fully directed beam yields force equal to emitted power divided by c.
What the working reports suggest
The notes mix a 200 m-long exhaust section with a 200 m exit diameter and quote a very narrow beam angle; a field-ratio example actually suggests about 1.45° rather than the stated 0.08°.
How material or energy would move
- Accept the reactor output without uncontrolled reflection back into the hull.
- Shape beam angle while dissipating intercepted power and magnetic stresses.
- Measure expelled momentum and vessel reaction on a calibrated stand.
The engineering uncertainty
Efficiency and exhaust divergence have to follow from a supported particle distribution. The current drawing and conflicting numbers are insufficient to predict net acceleration.
What a rigorous test needs
Measure full angular energy distribution and reaction force; independently check any divergence equations and the total electrical-to-exhaust efficiency.
Editorial source track: R05 — Cyclotron Core and Exhaust. Report bodies are internal working documents, not independently reviewed physics.