Nonlinear Scalar Interactions in the EMDrive: Petiau's Elliptic-Function Approach

TL;DR

This paper introduces a nonlinear scalar field model coupled with electromagnetism, using Petiau's elliptic functions, to explain potential thrust in the EMDrive, linking it to dark matter physics and providing testable predictions.

Contribution

It develops an exact nonlinear wave mode framework for the EMDrive using Petiau's elliptic functions, offering a novel theoretical approach to its thrust mechanism.

Findings

Nonlinear modes produce asymmetric momentum flux.

Standard axion-like particles have negligible effects.

Light scalars beyond current constraints could generate measurable thrust.

Abstract

The EMDrive, a controversial electromagnetic propulsion concept, challenges momentum conservation in standard Maxwell electrodynamics. We propose a beyond-Maxwell framework by coupling the electromagnetic field to a light scalar field, inspired by axion-like particle models and effective field theory. Using Guy Petiau's 1958 elliptic-function solutions for nonlinear wave equations, we construct exact cavity modes and combine them via Jacobi addition theorems. These nonlinear modes produce an asymmetric momentum flux, suggesting a theoretical pathway for EMDrive thrust. We compute the stress-tensor asymmetry numerically and show that while standard axion-like particles yield negligible effects, light scalars beyond current constraints could produce measurable thrust. The framework provides testable predictions connecting EMDrive physics to dark matter searches.