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Sound To Power Space Probes
An anonymous reader writes "The old adage that 'no one can hear you scream in space' seems to have its own variant when Los Alamos scientists announced today their latest designs for the 'traveling wave engine', a derivative of the classic, pistonless Stirling device. Because it uses helium as an oscillating gas in a long tube, the design works kind of like a high-pitched loudspeaker at maximum efficiency. Another description combines a refrigerator and whistle to make an engine."
Now we just have to find a stash of thousands of old Barry Manilow CDs to use as the sound! No one will miss them anyway when they all float up and away into space...
If sound doesn't travel in a vacuum, why are vacuum cleaners so loud?
"Eve of Destruction", it's not just for old hippies anymore...
Be careful! Los Alamos knows the weirding way!
...In addition to achievements in low energy physics, the ability to fly a jet, and a strong stomach, applicants are expected to have some renowned as operatic singers in case of power failures...
Sola Deo Gloria!