An anomalous propulsion mechanism using magnetic fields

TL;DR

This paper explores a novel propulsion mechanism where leptons inside a rotating charged shell gain momentum via the magnetic vortical effect, potentially explaining pulsar kicks.

Contribution

It introduces a new theoretical model of propulsion based on leptons and magnetic vortical effects, with calculations relevant to astrophysical phenomena.

Findings

Leptons gain momentum in the magnetic field due to the vortical effect.

The momentum gain is computed perturbatively.

Potential application to pulsar kicks is discussed.

Abstract

We consider a gas composed of a single family of standard model leptons which are approximately massless and trapped inside a charged rotating shell. Due to the magnetic vortical effect, the leptons gain momentum in the direction of the magnetic field induced by the rotating shell. We compute this momentum gain in a perturbative expansion and discuss the possible application of it to pulsar kicks.