FWIW, I think Robin has the correct interpretation here, much better than
the reporter(s). Not just professional scientists do that but even reporters
filter or interpret according to their own "world views". Engineers do it.
Technicians do it. In fact, we all it.... Even part time tinkerers like
myself- do it :)
Colin
----- Original Message -----
From: "Robin van Spaandonk" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 15, 2006 3:13 AM
Subject: Re: [Vo]: stationary emdrive- inertial anchor
In reply to Wesley Bruce's message of Fri, 15 Sep 2006 16:41:50
+1000:
Hi,
[snip]
A stationary emdrive can still push a ship in a given direction. It
becomes an inertial anchor. An inertial anchor resists being moved but
does not move itself. You can push down or back on it and it wont move
but pulling upon it and it moves freely. A craft with an inertial anchor
on it can jack forward against the mass and drive force of the anchor.
It can then pull the anchor forward pulling against only the mass of the
drive. The result is a dynamic mechanical asymmetry. The emdrive would
probably be jacked back and forth by a linear motor or a crank driving a
rod. For smooth operation you need several Inertial Anchors cycling out
of phase to produce uniform forward momentum. Interestingly you could
put emdrive inertial anchors on the ends of a set of oars and simply
"row" through outer space. A vac-suit would be advisable.
[snip]
As I understand it however, the actual drive in question is not an
inertial anchor. It's just that the force drops off as it starts
to accelerate. This is because the force depends upon a huge
microwave density in the cavity, and as energy is consumed in
accelerating the device, it is drawn from this microwave energy.
However there is no reason why it shouldn't provide a continuous
acceleration force if the energy in the cavity is replaced as fast
as it is used.
It's like pouring water into a leaky bucket. If your pour water in
as fast as it leaks out, then the bucket stays full.
Regards,
Robin van Spaandonk
http://users.bigpond.net.au/rvanspaa/
Competition provides the motivation,
Cooperation provides the means.
