A Device that can Produce Net Impulse Using Rotating Masses

Abstract

This paper describes a device capable of producing net impulse, through two synchronized masses, which move along a figure-eight-shaped orbit. In addition to the detailed description of the mechanical components of this device, particular attention is paid to the theoretical treatment of the innovative principle on which the device is based. In more details, the mechanical system consists of two independent but simultaneous rotations, the former being related to the formation of the figure-eight-shaped path and the latter to an additional spinning. Based on the parametric equations of motion of the lumped masses, and considering semi-static tensile deformation of the connecting rods carrying them, it was found that the resultant impulse towards the direction of the spin vector includes a non-vanishing term that is linearly proportional to the time. In addition, reduced but encouraging experimental results are reported. These findings sustain the capability of the proposed mechanism to achieve propulsion.

An Overview of the Mechanics of Oscillating Mechanisms

“…The topic of the mechanics of contra-rotating oscillating mechanisms has been previously covered in the framework of rigid body dynamics [4,5], whereas alternative figure-eight shaped mechanisms have been proposed (instead of the circumference used in this study) on which the rotating masses move [9]. However, even within the context of contra-rotation, very recent studies have extended the theory by considering elastic waves transmitted through the rigid rods EP that connect the rotating masses with the heavy object [10].…”

A New Concept and Design Aspects of an 'Antigravity' Propulsion Mechanism Based on Inertial Forces

“…Another encouraging finding is that a quasi-static analysis of elastic bars in tension only, based however on the simplified assumption of constant angular velocities 1 ω and 2 ω , has led to closed-form expressions which depict that the impulse directed along the axis of symmetry of the hemisphere includes a constant term plus three harmonics of the angle t φ ω = . 30 Under the same simplified assumption of constant angular velocities, on-going theoretical research is currently conducted in terms of nonlinear dynamics and the finite element method. It is remarkable that the direction of propulsion arises according to the position of the abovementioned hemisphere inside which the resultant curved path is created when the mechanism is in full operation.…”

“…8, where an average difference of about 12% can be noticed for the positive and negative values. Although a theoretical explanation in the framework of either quasi-static 30 or nonlinear dynamics (in the spirit of Ref. 31) might be possible, for the sake of briefness mathematical details will not be presented in this paper.…”