There is interesting thing to note, that the rotation of the wheel is oscillating. This probably means that the oscillation is chaotic and is governed by nonlinear dynamics. This also means that system is not freely rotating, but there are significant friction forces that resist the rotation of wheel. But magnetic pushing forces in the track are stronger than resisting magnetic forces. Thus the work needed to be done to lift the driving magnet is probably not the strongest force that is acting against the rotation.
Therefore this is not only very good proof of concept for perpetual motion machine, but it is also very educational demonstration of chaotic oscillation of rotation. Nonlinear dynamics in chaos theory is probably even more interesting and more revolutionary idea to classical physics than perpetual motion machine is. This is indeed very interesting idea, because it shows, that the concept of work in classical mechanics is ill-defined. Quantum mechanics is way more interesting. Also QM does not comment on energy conservation of macroscopic systems. It just states that energy is conserved in quantum systems. Why this energy conservation principle cannot be applied to macroscopic system is evident if we understand the concept of emergence. Other interesting example for similar phenomenon is the formation of spiral galaxies. It is needed huge amount of work to form spiral galaxy, but gravity can still do it without consuming energy. Conservation of energy is failing at macroscopic systems also if we look expanding universe as whole. Photons are losing their energy but on the other hand, the amount of vacuum energy is increasing exponentially while universe is expanding. This is very interesting idea indeed, but this particular perpetual motion machine can be understood well if we just understand what is the underlying reason behind electromagnetism. The concept behind is no more problematic than refrigerator magnet. We live in nonlinear quantum universe. There is very little room for classical mechanics! James, I have not done the arithmetics, but it is important to understand that permanent magnets do not store 'magnetic energy', but magnetism emerges from the proper order of magnetic dipoles. Therefore magnetism is just information and it can violate as a macroscopic system the conservation of energy principles and QM has nothing to complain, because QM does not comment on macroscopic systems. ―Jouni On Sep 4, 2012, at 8:33 PM, James Bowery <jabow...@gmail.com> wrote: > Has anyone tried to do any arithmetic here? > > I mean to even an order of magnitude? > > On Tue, Sep 4, 2012 at 12:21 PM, Harry Veeder <hveeder...@gmail.com> wrote: > Assuming no hidden power sources, the assumption is the work done > repeatedly lifting the magnets (and the rod at the side) will > eventually exceed the energy required to place the magnets in their > starting position. > > Harry > > On Tue, Sep 4, 2012 at 3:31 AM, Teslaalset <robbiehobbiesh...@gmail.com> > wrote: > > This stuff is quite misleading. > > One has to put energy in first to get the moving magnet into its starting > > position. > > So there is no energy gain. > > > >
