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Is there a minimum velocity for a Bussard Ramjet to use it's scoop? How is it calculated?

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As there are no working instances, nor even well defined plans for one I don't believe that such a calculation is even possible at this time. If someone has a counter example flag to get this re-opened. – dmckee♦ Jul 25 '12 at 16:03
"If we assume a threshold mass-collection rate dm/dt (the units are mass per unit time), then the rate of mass collection by the funnel π r2 ρ V needs to be greater than the threshold. This gives a threshold velocity: Vt > (dm/dt) / ( π r2 ρ )" -- dangermouse.net/gurps/science/ramjet.html found by a quick google search – DarenW Jul 27 '12 at 4:45

closed as not constructive by dmckee♦ Jul 25 '12 at 16:04

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