Author(s)

Christopher G. Provatidis

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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.

Inertial Propulsion, Centrifugal Force, Net Impulse, Rotating Figure-Eight, Mechanism

C. Provatidis, "A Device that can Produce Net Impulse Using Rotating Masses," Engineering, Vol. 2 No. 8, 2010, pp. 648-657. doi: 10.4236/eng.2010.28083.