Further reading of the Steorn forums and website pages indicate that Steorn
doesn't use either any form of magnetic shielding or Holbach arrays ( flat
versions of horseshoe magnets ), although I don't think the Steorn effect
precludes using either of those. I'd like to also do experiments with a
Whitworth fast return mechanism, or a more elaborate asymmetric system using
a universal joint (Cardan joint) at an angle to see if the energy traversing
a path through a magnetic field depends on speed.
I think I have figured out the gist of the Steorn motor from inferences
derived from the voluminous postings on the Steorn forum.
It's as if Steorn wants to get the information out, but in such a way that
it doesn't invalidate any patents they are seeking.
In any case I expect the full details to be released in less than 8 months.
I sure hope it works.
( http://www.steorn.net http://www.steornwatch.com
http://www.steornpower.com )
( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steorn )
(
http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=WO2006035419&QPN=WO2006035419
)
I will describe several versions of how I think a fuelless engine could work
for the record.
These are constant torque motors, so, ironically, in their simplest
embodiment, they would
self destruct without a load. The highest power to weight ratio would
therefore be a high
RPM version. Steorn claims to have a 550 hp motor running.
I'm not proficient in mechanical CAD programs, so, I'll give brief
descriptions
in English (I've got a copy of Alibre design and emachineshop.com; what do
you think of those?
What program do you use? ).
Variation 1:
Similar to a permanent magnet alternator, except there are two rows
of
4-6 neodymium-iron-boron magnets on both the stator and rotor offset
such that the magnets are rotationally staggered from one row to the
other.
In between the rotor and stator is a soft
iron pipe with 1/4" thick walls that is the width of one magnet row.
Here's the tricky part for a mechanical engineer. It must slide up
and down
alternating between the two rows, alternately shielding the magnetic
fields
from one row, then the other. I originally envisioned an
alternating screw
cam following a left and right helix machined into the rotor
(similar to the way
a fishing reel guides the line onto the spool ( Is there a name for
that mechanism? ).
Because of axial vibration, I think one would have two of these
motors on the same axis
180o out of phase to cancel the inertial forces.
This is well beyond my capability to design and build :-( .
Variation 2:
Reference Steorn's patent
(
http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=WO2006035419&QPN=WO2006035419
)
Each stator magnet has it's own shield that moves axially with the
appropriate timing.
These Ne-Fe-Bo magnets are incredibly strong. In spite of all my care with
the 1 cubic inch
magnets, I'm often trying to unstick the tools on my workbench from them as
they tend to
get sucked in. When one gets stuck to my vice, it's quite a problem. I can
pull it
off with pliers, but then it's stuck to the pliers :-(. Given these forces
measured in
tons, I think a car alternator sized motor could produce ~50HP.
Does anyone want to build this?
Hoyt Stearns
Scottsdale, Arizona US
http://HoytStearns.com
