Boeing to create a forcefield (yes, an actual forcefield)

[Suzanimal]

Star Wars jokes aside, Boeing actually just patented a force field that would use energy to deflect explosions. For real; it's called, "method and system for shockwave attenuation via electromagnetic arc."

According to the patent, which was granted earlier this month, the field would employ a sensor that detects the direction of shockwaves. Next, it deploys an "anti-shockwave" laser that creates a field between the explosion and the target, effectively shielding an object from explosive force by reflecting and absorbing it. This protective energetic layer could be used to insulate not just airplanes but also buildings, military vehicles, and ships.

http://www.11alive.com/story/news/20...ield/70657462/

[Zippyjuan]

So they would have to instantaneously be able to calculate the size and force of an incoming shockwave and have a device able to instantaneously start up (unless you leave it always "on") and aim its anti-shock wave device, and create its own identical shockwave to counteract the first one all before the first wave reaches the generator's location. Shockwaves travel at the speed of sound. Pretty big challenge to get it to work in a "real world" situation.

[jmdrake]

Pretty cool. Of course this won't work on an IED that you drive over.

[Ronin Truth]

I think I'd much prefer a volunteerfield.

[Suzanimal]

I think I'd much prefer a volunteerfield.

[torchbearer]

So they would have to instantaneously be able to calculate the size and force of an incoming shockwave and have a device able to instantaneously start up (unless you leave it always "on") and aim its anti-shock wave device, and create its own identical shockwave to counteract the first one all before the first wave reaches the generator's location. Shockwaves travel at the speed of sound. Pretty big challenge to get it to work in a "real world" situation.

not really, it would work exactly like a passive radar jammer.
on a vehicle, you place as many emitters as you need to get 360 coverage. the points are added to a controller. the incoming radar picks up signal and direction, this automatically flows the on signal through the controller to the designated emitter. it happens at the speed of electricity through gold.

edit: you could use a $35 raspberry pi as the system controller.

[torchbearer]

if i had the emitters, i could build the rest.

[Intoxiklown]

So they would have to instantaneously be able to calculate the size and force of an incoming shockwave and have a device able to instantaneously start up (unless you leave it always "on") and aim its anti-shock wave device, and create its own identical shockwave to counteract the first one all before the first wave reaches the generator's location. Shockwaves travel at the speed of sound. Pretty big challenge to get it to work in a "real world" situation.

But it's using a laser to counter, which travels at the speed of light. Also, bear in mind the shock wave of a blast is basically air being pushed, so you have "passive air" hitting the sensors before the actual blast wave.

[Acala]

So they would have to instantaneously be able to calculate the size and force of an incoming shockwave and have a device able to instantaneously start up (unless you leave it always "on") and aim its anti-shock wave device, and create its own identical shockwave to counteract the first one all before the first wave reaches the generator's location. Shockwaves travel at the speed of sound. Pretty big challenge to get it to work in a "real world" situation.

My $200 noise cancelling headphones seems to do it rather nicely, thank you.

[heavenlyboy34]

if i had the emitters, i could build the rest.

I am impress.