GB2376525A

GB2376525A - A method of propulsion and apparatus for effecting same

Info

Publication number: GB2376525A
Application number: GB0114262A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Helen Sarah Sussman; John Richard Drewe
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-06-12
Filing date: 2001-06-12
Publication date: 2002-12-18
Anticipated expiration: 2021-06-12
Also published as: GB2376525B; GB0114262D0

Abstract

A propulsion system incorporates a body spinning about a given axis orientated so the Earth's gravitational field produces a torque about a second axis. The geometry is designed so the applied torque induces a precession of the rotational axis about a third axis not passing through the precessing system's centre of mass. On precessing about this third axis, the centre of mass experiences a centripetal component of force, the reaction to which acts centrifugally at the axis. This sets up a sustained linear force, deriving from the torque exerted by gravity on the spin axis and with a reaction which occurs remotely. The present invention depends on this property. It enables the force arising from the precession to adopt a dynamic configuration whereby the Earth's gravitational field can be utilised propulsively, and as a source of energy. All prior art relies on close-range interactions, which intrinsically exclude such applications.

Description

A METHOD OF PROPULSION AND APPARATUS FOR EFFECTING SAME This invention relates to a method of propulsion and the apparatus whereby it is effected.

All methods of propulsion rely on a physical interaction between two or more bodies.

They interact mutually to produce a force on one body with an opposing force on another.

Consider two examples. A rocket motor is propelled by a force which opposes its counterpart acting on the stream of gases ejected from its exhaust. A motor vehicle is propelled forwards by the force acting on the rotating tyres, which sets up an opposing force on the surface of the road.

It should be noted that the distance between the bodies when the physical interaction which produces these opposing forces is manifested, is small. Within a rocket motor, the fuel enters the combustion chamber and a chemical reaction produces a mass of expanding gases which are expelled through an outlet. The rocket's forward propulsion arises from the force on one part of the wall of the combustion chamber opposite to the outlet. The force on this part of the wall is offset by that acting on the gases emerging from the outlet. However, the force on the wall is produced when the gas molecules strike it and rebound.

Similarly, the propulsion of a car relies on the forces set up at the interface of the tyre and road.

In both these examples, the mutual interaction producing the opposing forces acts on bodies which are relatively close to one another. Molecules of hot gas exert a force on a rocket's combustion chamber because they rebound from it. The tyres of a car are in contact with the road surface in order to achieve traction. A short-range interaction between two or more material bodies is a characteristic of all the methods of propulsion now in use.

However, according to the present invention a physical interaction can act at a much longer range. A device is propelled by the agency of a field, the source of which experiences the reaction force. The present invention uses a rotational assembly to interact

with an applied field external to it, such as gravity. The geometry of this interaction is arranged so that there is a torque at right angles to the system's spin vector. In response to this torque there is a precession of that spin vector about a third axis.

According to the present invention the apparatus uses a field interaction to propel it through space. Two advantages are immediately apparent. First, the field provides a source of propulsion. The apparatus can be designed so it need not carry fuel, expel hot gases, or depend on a road or other nearby medium on which traction forces are exerted.

Second, the apparatus can be a great distance from the source of the field with which it interacts. A field of relatively low intensity can generate a significant linear impulse serving to propel the apparatus through space.

Mathematically, the method whereby the propulsive force is derived can be described in terms of a specific embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 1.

A body B (which includes an axle L) of total mass 11, rotates about an axis a. The body is set revolving by pulling a cord wound tightly around the axle L after one end is inserted in the hole H. Let I be the moment of inertia of B about a, and co its angular velocity at a given time t.

A frame K incorporates roller bearings G fitting into grooves in the axle L, thereby supporting B and enabling the axle L to rotate freely. Figure 4 shows the construction of the bearings G. The frame K may either be suspended from a wire held by the swivel mount S, or supported by a horizontal runway R (as illustrated). This entire assembly, comprising the revolving body, frame, bearings and axis, has a combined mass of M.

In Figure 1 the angular momentum vector H is defined by:

There are three principal axes for B. They are mutually perpendicular and pass through its centre of mass, O. A, B and C are the moments of inertia of B when these three principal axes lie along the x-, y-and z-axes, respectively. The terms cox, My and Oz are the x-, yand z-components of the angular velocity ca, and i, j, and k are the unit vectors.

Suppose an external field E. interacts with the assembly exerting on it a torque T about any second axis ss lying perpendicular to a. When the applied torque t acts, its dynamical coupling to the rotating body B gives rise to a force pattern inducing a precession about a third axis y.

By virtue of this dynamical coupling, the spin axis a tends to align itself with the applied torque T, as predicted by the schemes of invariance for angular momentum. It follows that where 0 is the angle traversed by a about y, the rate of precession is necessarily:

A linear force Fq, is exerted on the intact assembly while it precesses about this axis y, which does not pass through its centre of mass, Me. As the rotational system and frame then revolve about this axis, they experience a force Fop acting radially from y.

Typically, for a body where the distribution of mass about its rotational axis a is symmetric, such a force is manifest when the applied field is not in a direction perpendicular to the axis. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate such a configuration.

This force F, exemplifies the reaction to the centripetal component of force, summed for all the particles which revolve about - It comprises the sum of the rate of change of linear momentum of these particles, and so:

where m is the mass of each of n discrete particles in the entire apparatus and r represents its perpendicular distance from the precessional axis y. Thus a linear force F. derives from the rotation of the centre of mass Me of this assembly at a distance re from the axis y, as shown

in Figure 2. At a given time t, the vector F < p is directed perpendicularly outwards from y through the centre of mass Me. It is the method of producing this force which underlies the present invention.

There is a number of phenomena serving to demonstrate the physical properties of this force on which the present method of populsion relies.

An experiment verifying the existence of a sustained linear force, as predicted by Equation 3, uses the version of the present invention shown in Figure 3. A copper disc B, of uniform density p and cross-section cy, is fixed to a chrome-steel axle L perpendicular to it and passing through its centre, O. A brass frame K incorporates a set of roller bearings G supporting one end of the axle L, as illustrated.

Around the other end of L are the armature windings of an electric motor M. Its permanent magnets are in the case, which is firmly attached to the frame K by two screws E.

Low-friction roller bearings (Figure 4) with an outer race on the inside of the case enable the axle-armature to revolve smoothly. A flywheel F acts as a counterweight to the motor M, thus ensuring that the rotational system's centre of mass Me is located at 0. An electric

cell C on the frame is connected to the motor. When the switch V activates the motor, the disc and axle achieve a uniform angular velocity co within about five seconds. Typically o = 50 7r rad s-l A runway R consisting of a rectangular sheet of aluminium, 0. 10 x 20 x12 cm is supported on a horizontal air table T. Jets of air from entering the table through the inlet I from a pump (not illustrated) emerge through rows of holes H, of diameter = 1. 50 mm, 3. 50 cm apart and with a row spacing of 3.0 cm. When the runway alone is placed horizontally on the air table, it remains stationary.

Let this intact assembly be placed on the runway R after the motor is activated to set the disc and axle rotating. It is then observed first to accelerate and then to move at a constant speed in a curved path along the runway, provided the axis a is tilted with respect to the horizontal. Figure 3 depicts the angle 0 between the horizontal (x, z-plane) and the rotational axis. The gravitational vector g lies along the y-axis. While the assembly is

moving along it, the runway R is observed to be displaced in the same direction on the air table. Thus there is no measurable impulsive reaction on the runway to the force acting to displace the assembly.

These results demonstrate the action of a force associated with the precessional motion of the centre of mass Me about an axis y. The curvature of the path is a manifestation of the precession of the direction of the linear force. Additionally, the absence of a reaction on the runway to the acceleration of the apparatus indicates that the propulsive force originates from an external interaction. According to Equation 3, the force derives from a centrifugal component which is the counterpart to the centripetal effect as the centre of mass rotates about y.

It should be noted that a simpler version of the apparatus depicted in Figure 3 can be constructed by replacing the motor M by roller bearings, and removing the cell C and switch V. This leaves the disc B, axle L, frame K and two sets of bearings G. A cord, with one end through the hole D (Figure 3), can then be wound tightly around the axis.

When the other end of the cord is rapidly pulled away from the axis, it is set rotating. Once the apparatus is placed on the aluminium runway R, it exhibits the propulsive force as described above, although angular velocity o is progressively diminished.

The construction of the roller bearings is illustrated by Figure 4. The outer race N is incorporated in the case G. A separator P guides the rollers J as they move around the inner race Q integral to the axle L. A screw A, nut and washer enable the case to be held firmly to the frame K.

Further properties of this propulsive force can be determined using any version of the invention, for example that shown in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 5, one end of a platinum-iridium wire W (of 0.274 mm diameter) is screwed into the swivel mount S on the frame K. The other end of this wire is soldered to the ball in the socket U on a ceiling beam Z, freely suspending the intact apparatus. The axle L, lying at an angle 0 > 0 to the x-axis, can then be set rotating at an initial angular velocity (Onrax.

The axis ss about which the weight of the suspended apparatus exerts a torque is illustrated in Figure 5. It should be noted that the ensuing precession is anticlockwise when viewed down the y-axis, in the direction of g. In contrast if, instead of being suspended, an apparatus with exactly the same orientation of its rotational axis is placed on a runway, the precession is then clockwise (as illustrated in Figure 3). This arises because the gravitational torque is in the opposite direction to that in Figure 5.

When the apparatus is suspended (Figure 5) it exhibits a displacement from the vertical (y-axis) by an angle $, while it precesses at a rate Q about a vertical axis y. A linear force is directed along a line passing through the centre of mass Me from the precessional axis y. It is independent of whether the angular rotation is clockwise or anticlockwise, being determined by the rate of precession D, the total mass M of the complete apparatus and the perpendicular distance re of the centre of mass Me from the precessional axis y. This is as predicted by Equation 3.

Figure 6 illustrates the direction of this sustained linear force F q > arising from the precession of a system where the distribution of mass is symmetrical about the centre of the spinning body B. Implicitly when the force is manifested the centre of mass Me of the whole apparatus lies off its precessional axis y. If Me lies at the centre 0 of B, this condition is fulfilled when the axis of rotation a is at an angle 0 > 0, measured from the horizontal.

A vertical cross section through such a system is depicted in Figure 6. The linear force F (p at any given time is directed along the spin axis a, through Me. Contact between the frame K and the runway R occurs at a point P. The precessional axis y is vertical and passes through this point, as also does the torque axis P which is horizontal and at right angles to the spin axis. Figure 6 shows the bearings G, axle L, frame K and the motor M with its electric cell and circuitry. In this figure the torque acts anticlockwise when viewed along ss towards P, the spin m is anticlockwise when viewed from the direction of Fi, while the path executed by this recessing force vector is anticlockwise viewed towards P along y.

However, when the spin axis a of the apparatus (Figure 6) is tilted so 0 is measured downwards from a, the centre of mass is then displaced by 1800. Consequently both the torque acting about y and the direction of Fry are then reversed. Note that if the angular velocity (o alone is reversed, the direction of F remains unchanged.

Generally those rotational systems having an asymmetrical distribution of mass about the centre 0 of their spin axes a, produce a sustained linear force when 0 = 0. Evidently, if the centre of mass of the intact apparatus does not lie on its rotational axis a, the propulsive force, exerted at a specific angle 0 by a given mass M recessing at a specific rate n, is necessarily greater.

An electro-mechanical version of the present invention of the type where the centre of mass K does not lie on the spin axis a is illustrated in Figure 7. It shows a vertical cross section through a d. c. electric motor M, axle L, bearing G and rotor B.

The fluid-film journal bearing G of standard design comprises an oil ring 0, oil reservoir V, and oil deflector D. Oil is poured into the reservoir through the plug H and kept at a level X. The rotating axle L is supported by an array of ball bearings J, which are covered by a film of oil from the reservoir V. Two seals A made of felt prevent external contamination of the bearing. A bronze rotor B is in the form of a disc of uniform cross section with a tungsten cylinder Z fixed on it. It is held to one end of the axle by a screw S.

The other end consists of a flange F holding the drive shaft I of an electric motor M.

A frame K made from two metal rings, arranged as depicted in Figure 2, supports both this journal bearing and the case of an electric motor M. Two semicircular 'Alcomax'magnets E are attached to the inside of this case; the magnetic axis \)/is as shown in Figure 7. An electric cell (not illustrated) is connected via a switch to windings W (of 1. 626 mm diameter copper wire) by the split-ring commutator T and brushes C. These windings are around a laminated soft-iron core Q, with a layer of varnish separating each lamination. When current passes through the motor the low-friction bearing enables the rotor R to rotate at a frequency considerably in excess of 100 Hz.

Figure 8a shows the apparatus enclosed within an airtight metal case N, which can be evacuated. This case is supported by a runway R, which can be horizontal or tilted. It should be noted that the centre of mass Jlc of the rotational assembly lies off the axis oc.

When the apparatus, with its axle rotating, is placed on the runway it exhibits propulsion even while the axis a is horizontal. In the absence of external forces other than gravity and dynamic friction between the frame and the runway, the apparatus is displaced in a circular path. It precesses while a force acts to displace it along a line from the precessional axis through the centre of mass Me of the entire apparatus.

Referring to Figure 8b, a Cartesian reference frame is defined in which the x-axis always lies along the rotational axis a, perpendicular to the gravitational field intensity g. The disc B rotates in the y, z-plane. The force propelling the apparatus is derived from three separate physical processes.

First, there is Fç, the reaction to the rotation of the centre of mass Me about the precessional axis y, as described by Equation 3. Second, the mass asymmetry rotating about its axis a has an instantaneous linear momentum. At any given time t, the linear momentum

P associated with the rotating mass asymmetry is necessarily :

P. (t)= v (t), (4) and v =cor,

where ; j. is the mass of the assembly rotating about a at an angular velocity co, with a centre of mass a perpendicular distance r, from this axis of rotation.

Suppose the apparatus and runway are at rest at the instant the motor M is activated. The total linear momentum of the entire system at any subsequent time remains zero in the absence of external forces. This is expressed by:

Initially, when the motor starts up, there is an impulsive reaction to the intrinsic linear momentum PI1 (t) which the rotating assembly develops at a given time. Clearly, while it revolves the rotor vibrates because the linear force F acting on it changes according to:

where y is the angle between the x-axis and the radius vector rf1 of the centre of mass J. lc of the rotational assembly, as illustrated by Figure 8b.

It should be emphasised that the component of force acting along the x-axis is zero only when the centripetal component acts at a point on the rotational axis which lies in the same y, z-plane as the rotating centre of mass Uc. In practice this is not always the case even when the rotational axis a is horizontal, and is never the case when 0 > 0.

The impulsive reaction enabling the total linear momentum to remain zero is manifested as a corresponding vibration of the frame. This vibration is 1t radians out of phase with that of the rotor. It is further observed that if the motor is turned off and a spring-operated brake U then engages the rotating assembly, a linear impulse is imparted to it in a fixed direction. There is a reaction impulse of equal magnitude. Referring to Figure 8, the rotor B can be rapidly brought to rest by operating the friction brake U. It engages once the restraining pin is pulled out. The entire apparatus immediately attains a linear momentum in a fixed direction. This depends on the linear velocity v of the mass asymmetry at the instant the brake was applied. The runway, or any assembly from which the apparatus is suspended, is then seen to recoil in the opposite direction.

Third, while the mass asymmetry rotates, the vibration induces an interaction with the runway supporting the apparatus. The rotation and vibration are dynamically

coupled. The vibration is attributable to a force F which is a periodic function 1t/2 out of phase with the instantaneous velocity v of the centre of mass He. Moreover, the vibrating apparatus interacts directly with the runway (or suspension), exerting an x-force

; perpendicular to the rotating disc B) to propel the apparatus in a straight line while the runway recoils in the opposite direction. Mathematically it can be demonstrated that in general this x-force arises when the centre of mass Ilc of the rotational assembly does not lie in the same vertical (x, y-) plane as Me, the centre of mass of the whole system.

Crucially, of these three processes, only the force developed by the system's precession enables it to be propelled without the reaction impulse occurring on a body in physical contact with it. Therefore, the two other interactions described above do not directly offer a method for propulsion in free space.

Figure 9 illustrates by way of example only an embodiment of the present invention which depends on electromagnetic forces. A body Z from a store S is electrically charged before entering a chamber C where electrostatic forces act on it, ejecting it through a nozzle N to be accelerated around a path defined by an array of electrodes E.

Each body Z is a hollow sphere, constructed of resin, of diameter 4. 0 mm and mass 7.0 x 10-3 kg. When the flow regulator R is opened air pressure pushes one or more of these spheres Z into the primary charging assembly P. A potential difference V = 5 x 104 V is maintained by a high-tension supply (not illustrated) which imparts a negative charge to each sphere. Under the action of electrostatic forces it then moves into the chamber C and on to an array of electrodes E within the stainless steel tube H.

The operation of the series of relays L connecting the electrodes to the high-tension supply is synchronised with the movement of each body Z. Once a body Z enters a given electrode E, both E and Z are connected to the negative side of the supply.

The direction of the electrostatic field always acts to accelerate Z towards the electrode immediately ahead. As each sphere moves around the path, a system coupled to the relays L monitors its movement electro-optically, synchronising it with the high-speed switching of the voltage across the electrodes.

Typically, the spheres Z accelerate from P to Q around a path to which they are confined by the geometry of the electrostatic forces. The switches operate either to sustain an evenly spaced flow of spheres, or to localise them so they occupy one section of the path at any given time. Once a number of bodies are circulating, the regulator R is closed. On

reaching the retardation electrode Q, the velocity of the spheres is progressively reduced before they return to the charging assembly A, where they are recharged and emitted through the nozzle.

When the high-tension supply to A is disconnected, the system ceases to operate.

The tube T holding the electrodes is constructed of stainless steel and airtight. It is evacuated by being connected trough the inlet I to a mercury diffusion pump (not illustrated).

An airtight plate A is held by a screw W and fits snugly into rubber washers at the top of the tube T. On removing the screw and plate, the emission system (S, C and R) and the charging assembly P, are accessible. The internal pressure inside the tube T is measured by an ionisation gauge G.

A frame F supports the glass tube and charged bodies circulating within it. This frame rests on a horizontal runway. The Earth's gravitational field of intensity g exerts a torque about an axis ss on the frame, apparatus and bodies Z circulating within it.

A precessional drift at a rate Q arises from the action of the torque, as defined by Equation 2. When the centre of mass Me of the rotational system lies off the precessional axis, the entire apparatus exhibits self propulsion in accord with Equation 3.

The propulsive force arising from the method and apparatus already described herein, enables a supply of energy to be obtained from the action of any torque inducing a precession of the rotational system. When the torque arises from the action of a field ç (as described by Equation 2) then energy is derived from it. Figure 10, by way of example, shows in cross section a version of the present invention utilising the Earth's gravitational field in this way.

Referring to Figure lOa, a rotor F revolves about a vertical axis X in a horizontal (x, z-) plane by the action of an electric motor M. This motor M incorporates low-friction bearings to minimise energy dissipation arising from friction. A brass ring G mounted on top of the rotor provides a horizontal platform. Underneath the ring G is a toroidal coil Q of copper wire. The coil windings are on a ribbed ceramic former J fixed to the rotor, and lie parallel to the radius R of the rotor revolving about ..

Two ring commutators T are connected to the coil and make contact with the brushes C. The connection between the coil and commutators is by the radial copper rods N held by a perspex mount X inside the rotor. An EMF across this coil sets up an electric current which passes through the commutators into an energy storage device S. In this respect any convenient system can be deployed. One entails using a flywheel rotating in vacuo at high angular velocity on magnetic bearings, and accelerated electromagnetically as current flows through solenoids on it. An external electro-optic system (not illustrated) measures the revolutions/second of the rotor.

Figure lOb illustrates the process generating this EMF. Any version of the apparatus (the present invention) as described herein above, is placed on the horizontal platform revolving about Â. When the rotational system of this apparatus A is operated, the apparatus propels itself along the platform. It accelerates, following a path which initially lies at an angle 11 < 90 to the radius R, before it curves as a result of precession. A permanent magnet P fixed to the frame K of the apparatus moving relative to the coil Q induces an EMF across it. The axis X of the magnet is illustrated. After the apparatus has experienced its initial acceleration, when its velocity has become perpendicular to R, the switch H is closed. A current then flows through the energy storage device S.

Consequently the velocity V of A diminishes as kinetic energy is transformed into electricity. When V has fallen to a predetermined value, the switch is opened and the energy conversion ceases. In the absence of this electromagnetic interaction, the apparatus accelerates after which the above sequence is repeated. For this to occur, the apparatus must be returned to a position on the ring G where the initial direction of the propulsive force is at the angle 11.

The radius R and angular velocity 0 of the rotor F must be such that the apparatus A is not subjected to a centrifugal component large enough to displace it from the rotating platform. This can be avoided by incorporating a variety of devices in the assembly. Possibly the simplest is to introduce a camber perpendicular to the radius R, and increasing progressively. This is illustrated in Figure lOb. Additionally, a magnetic field can be applied to confine A to the ring G. Another method is to attach one end of a spring to the frame K, with the other end sliding along a rail situated coaxially on the rotor.

Ideally the mass distribution of the apparatus A is such that the magnetic force acting on it from the current induced in the coil Q is directed through the centre of mass Me.

Thus the need is for the magnet P to be inserted into the apparatus A without altering the position of Me. Let the energy-conversion process then act to reduce the angular velocity 0 of A about the axis by AO = 02-Oi. It achieves this by acting against the propulsive force F. p. A proportion AE, of the kinetic energy E. of the apparatus 8 is thereby transformed into electricity. This transformation is expressed by:

Note that the final linear velocity V2 = Os R of the apparatus A is perpendicular to the radius R. Ideally it occurs when Fq > + f = 0, where f is the frictional force exerted on the frame K of the apparatus A which opposes its displacement across the surface of the brass ring G.

Alternatively, rather than rotating, as described in the example above, the rest frame in which the apparatus A is displaced can be moving linearly. Referring to Figure 11, an air track T (of the type depicted in Figure 3) with air pumped through an inlet I, is fixed to a stationary rail R which acts as the non-magnetic secondary S of a linear induction motor.

Figure 11 shows a polyphase induction motor of standard design. It comprises primary windings P on a moving trolley L, with the secondary constructed from aluminium sheet. When a three-phase electric current is supplied to the primary winding, it sets up a magnetomotive force travelling linearly at a speed determined by the frequency of the current and the number of magnetic poles on the yokes Y. These are constructed from laminated sheets of soft iron, each separated by a layer of varnish. The primary winding P is copper wire (diameter = 2.032 mm) supplied with a three-phase current through graphite blocks sliding along a copper rail (not illustrated).

A horizontal platform G is used to support any version of the invention described herein above. By way of example, Figure 11 shows a version of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 3, where the rotational assembly is operated by an electric motor M.

Initially the apparatus A is at rest on the platform G which moves at a uniform velocity Us along the x-axis. The rotational assembly of A is then activated, allowing it to accelerate in a curved path along the moving platform. After a time t, A reaches a speed V which is directed entirely along the x-axis. A small dynamo D is fixed to each of two brass rods C protruding from the frame of the apparatus A. After a time t, A reaches a speed V which is directed entirely along the x-axis.

Immediately this occurs, the dynamo is lowered so its wheel Q makes contact with the stationary runway W and acts as a brake. The braking force exerted by the external runway brings the apparatus A to rest on the platform G. A proportion of the kinetic energy of A is thereby transformed into electricity.

It is the self propulsion of A arising from the precession of its centre of mass from which this kinetic energy is derived. Each time the apparatus is brought to rest on the platform after attaining a velocity of Vx relative to it, the kinetic energy Es thereby transformed is theoretically,

where M is the total mass of the apparatus A.

The energy is generated by the action of gravity. It acts at a distance to exert a torque on the rotational assembly of A, inducing it to precess. Mathematically, the selfpropulsive force derives from this precession; the displacement of such a force draws energy from the field producing it. In this respect it should be noted that the precession of the rotational system can be induced by exposing it to any field interaction which originates externally to the rest frame (the platform T).

Such methods of energy generation, illustrated by way of example in Figures 10 and 11, can make use of any version of the invention described herein above. These methods operate whether or not the revolving assembly has a symmetric distribution of mass about its rotational axis a.

However, when a system (such as depicted in Figure 8) in which the rotating mass is not distributed symmetrically about a experiences precession as a result of a torque of external origin, this introduces additional components of linear momentum. There are conditions where the precession of such a system serves to increase the propulsive force.

Implicitly this arises when such a torque induces the rotating mass asymmetry to precess under conditions where the linear momentum associated with it is redirected with the reaction impulse acting outside the system.

In this respect consider, by way of example, an apparatus illustrated in Figure 12.

An assembly, consisting of a disc B and body Z, of combined mass u rotates at an angular velocity o about an axis a, exactly as depicted in Figure 8. The centre of mass us of the rotating assembly is located a perpendicular distance r from a. Initially, at a time to the rotational axis a is perpendicular to the z-axis, lying at an angle c < 900 with respect to the x-axis. The intact apparatus A is supported by a horizontal platform G moving uniformly at a velocity U x along the x-axis. At a time t > to an external gravitational field of intensity g exerts a torque 1 about an axis ss on the rotating assembly. Consequently it precesses about an axis y, which lies parallel to the y-axis of the rest frame.

A number of considerations governs the physical properties of this system at a time t > to :- (a) The linear momentum P of the rotating mass asymmetry at a time ti when the rotational axis a is perpendicular to the z-axis is given by:

(b) However, the linear momentum P associated with the entire apparatus A depends on the existence of a reaction-P, acting externally and manifested when the system is set up at a time 1 < ,.

(c) When such a reaction is detectable, and provided the intrinsic linear momentum of the system is not changed by interactions of external origin, then the precession of the system necessarily introduces a change in the linear momentum. Given a uniform rate of precession Q (rad s'), at a time 12 = 2 ? i/Q there will be a transformation of the linear momentum by:

(d) Generally, when the precessional axis y does not lie in the plane where the mass asymmetry rotates, there is a precessional transformation of linear momentum. If the precession is about the y-axis, the x-and z-components of P are changed.

(e) There is an additional term. The rotation of the asymmetric mass is coupled to a vibration of the intact system. The centripetal components of force are n/2 rad out of phase with the velocity v of the centre of mass ils. Further, there are slight variations in v occurring as a function of its angle [ (n/2) - \If] with respect to the x-axis (Figure 8).

Irrespective of the precise nature and origin of such terms, they can promote an external interaction. There are conditions under which coupling of the rotation and vibration ensure the intact system (comprising a rotational assembly and supporting frame) has an intrinsic momentum of zero perpendicular to its precessional axis y.

(f) Specifically, this arises when at any time t, (i) the frame supporting the rotating mass asymmetry recoils with an equal and opposite linear momentum, and (ii) the sum external reaction to the setting up of this system is also zero.

(g) A method exists for coupling the rotational and vibrational terms to obtain a finite linear momentum in the rotational plane at any given time. It is the subject of a separate patent specification. The propulsive impulse derived from transforming the intrinsic linear momentum of such a system greatly exceeds that arising from the precession of its centre of mass.

Figure 12 illustrates by way of example one version of the present invention in which the initial x-, z-momentum of a rotating mass asymmetry continues to be associated with the intact apparatus because the impulsive reaction is external to it. When it then

precesses by the action of a torque of external origin, this intrinsic momentum changes direction. Such a transformation can be harnessed to produce an internal force.

A motorised version of the apparatus as shown in Figure 3, modified as described below, is suspended by a platinun/iridium torsion wire W. One end of this wire screws into the mount S fixed to the frame K of the apparatus and rotating freely in a horizontal plane. The other end is welded to a screw J which fits tightly into the mount H on an antiphase coupling system A. This is incorporated in a frame F fixed to the top of a container holding all the equipment.

The coupling system counteracts the vibration of the suspended apparatus arising from the mass asymmetry about its rotational axis a. It maintains that component of linear momentum associated with the body Z on its emission from the source E and which exists at the instant in time when Z attaches to the rotating disc B.

A d. c. power supply P operates both the antiphase coupling A and the electric motor M driving the rotational assembly (B + Z) of the suspended apparatus. An electric current flows through the torsion wire W to a insulated terminal on the rotatable mount S.

The connection to the motor is made through the frame K by a contact dipping into a vessel of mercury C on the platform L.

When the apparatus is suspended and the motor M activated, gravity exerts a torque about an axis ss located at the mount S and perpendicuar to the y-axis. In turn this induces a precession of the rotational axis a about a vertical axis y. A detector Q (connected to the + and-terminals on the motor M) lies parallel to the plane in which B rotates. A light beam from a laser diode D is reflected back from Q and triggers the release of a body Z from the source E. Each body Z is emitted at a velocity-vz relative to the platform L and along its z-axis. This occurs at a time ti when the recessing rotational axis a lies perpendicular to the z-axis.

On reaching the rotating disc B, Z attaches to its magnetised rim at a point T which has a velocity of - vz. There is a mechanical synchronisation of the rim's magnetisation with the rotation of the disc. It occurs when T is located at the lowest point of

its circular path. Each body Z travels a short distance from its source E to this point T where it attaches to the rotating disc.

Immediately the recessing axis traverses an angle of 900 (clockwise viewed along g) a signal emitted from the diode attached to the collector X triggers the release of the body Z.

It then moves relative to the platform at a velocity VI.

Let the condition be imposed that Vz = Vx = o rz, where rz is the perpendicular distance from 0 to the centre of mass of Z. Put MG as the combined mass of all the equipment in the container, together with a number (n-l) of the total of n bodies Z in the system. One body Z, mass Mz, is outside the source/collector at any given time.

After being released from the rim of the rotating wheel, Z travels at a velocity VI into the collector X, where it comes to rest. Consequently the x-impulse AP imparted to the entire system by each body Z as it precesses through 900 (to change its velocity from-v, to vx) and comes to rest, is:

where AUx denotes the increase in x-velocity of the container (the reference frame) attributable to one body Z being brought to rest within it. A convenient expression then emerges for the increment Aux in the system's velocity:

Evidently if the operation of equipment located entirely within the container is to produce such an increment, two conditions must be fulfilled. First, an initial linear momentum P (tl) = Mz Vz must be associated with the mass asymmetry at a time tl when it is attached to the disc and rotates with it. Although each body Z has z-momentum on its emission from the source S, its subsequent attachment to the rotating disc B must not introduce a dynamic coupling whereby the total z-momentum of the precessing part of the system, becomes zero.

In principle the dynamical properties of the vibration can intervene to eliminate completely the intrinsic x-, z-momentum of the apparatus, which is cancelled by the impulsive reaction-P (ti) to the ejection of Z from the source E. For example, when the instantaneous x-, z-momentum of the frame K is exactly equal and opposite to that of the mass asymmetry Z, no self propulsion can arise. For it to do so, the need is for the precession to change the direction of the linear momentum of Z, with the impulsive reaction acting externally through the field giving rise to the torque.

This physical process depends on the reaction to the linear momentum associated with Z at any instant in time, is located within the container but outside the intact apparatus comprising the rotational assembly, frame and motor.

Second, the impulsive reaction associated with the precessional change A P in the momentum of Z as it transcribes an angle of 900 must lie outside the container while the

torque T acts about the axis.

Instead of being absorbed by the system to accelerate it, each body Z can be acted on by a brake Y located outside the container, which then experiences no change in its velocity. Such a brake deploys when Z separates from the rotating disc after recessing through an angle of 900. The resulting gain in energy when the brake acts to reduce the velocity of Z from (Ux + so r, i) to Ux is thus:

A series of n such bodies Z is contained within the source E. If the braking mechanism Y operates in the collector X fixed to the container, the system is a self-propulsive one. Alternatively, if the brake is located externally to the container, it acts to transform the gain in kinetic energy of Z arising from its precession through 900.

Crucially, the impulse gained by the system from the precession of the rotational assembly is of external origin. A number of physical variables are geometrically transformed. One manifestation of the process is an energy increase deriving from the gravitational field.

In the above example, the entire system is supported in such a way that gravity acts on its centre of mass tending to rotate about ss. However, an external electromagnetic field can also be applied to the system to exert a torque on it. Primarily the need is for any such interaction to occur remotely, so the change in the internal momentum of the rotating mass asymmetry is not exactly counteracted by a change in the momentum inside that same system, for example on the frame supporting the rotating body.

When the brake operates from the rest frame of the container it acts to transform that part of the kinetic energy of Z gained by the intervention of an external gravitational field. The precession of the system's rotational axis y stems from such an external interaction.

Two distinct types of energy conversion can occur. First, a displacement of the force arising from the precession of the centre of mass of any rotational system, irrespective of the symmetry of its mass distribution about a. Second, the gain in kinetic energy which under certain conditions arises when a mass asymmetry precesses about an axis y which does not lie in the rotational plane. In both cases, the energy emanates from the source of the field inducing the precession. Once the torque is produced entirely from within the system, no energy is extractable.

The most effective operation of that version of the present invention illustrated in Figure 12 is achieved by incorporating a device to promote an antiphase coupling. Although the linear momentum of the entire system is zero, initially (at ti) the rotating mass asymmetry Z itself has finite z-momentum.

However, when t > ti other variables are introduced. First, the rotating mass asymmetry vibrates. The resulting processes act internally within the intact system to alter the linear momentum associated at any instant in time with each of its components. It then follows that the recessing part of the system might not always possess any x-, z-components of momentum, which if they exist are necessarily transformed by a precession about any axis (y) lying parallel to the y-axis.

Second, the precession must occur so that the reaction to any such change in linear momentum of the mass asymmetry is manifested externally, away from the entire container and its contents. The antiphase coupling is designed so the instantaneous x-,

z-components of momentum are retained internally by the recessing assembly at a time t > tl. When incorporated in an apparatus of the type illustrated (by way of example) in Figure 12, it enables an external gravitational field to propel it. It exemplifies the principles whereby an external gravitational field can act to self propel a system with the impulsive reaction occurring remotely. Such an apparatus provides a substitute for a rocket motor. One advantage is that the performance characteristics relating to power/weight are greatly improved.

Additionally the present invention enables an electromagnetic or gravitational field to provide a continuous supply of energy as a substitute for fossil fuels. By virtue of the interaction between the field and the rotational assembly, mass energy stored in the field is transferred to the assembly as the linear force displaces it.

The energy stored in the Earth's gravitational field, although not infinite, is extremely high. It provides a source of propulsion and energy for the foreseeable future. The technology used to extract this energy is readily constructed, reliable and produces a continuous, high power output for its size. In passing it should be noted that the performance coefficients of the remaining two identified methods are several orders of magnitude greater than those obtained when a rotational assembly is displaced by a force arising from the precession of its centre of mass.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A method of obtaining a linear force from a system consisting of a body spinning about a given axis, or one or more bodies moving in a path about a point within that system, by inducing it to precess.
2. A claim as in claim 1, above, where the said linear force arises because the centre of mass of the system moves about an axis in consequence of the precession, thereby experiencing a centripetal component the reaction to which acts propulsively on the entire system.
3. An apparatus substantially as shown in Figures 1,3, 6,7, 8, and 9, whereby such a method produces a force internally within a rotational system while it precesses about an axis where its mass distribution is asymmetric.
4. A claim as in claims 1,2 and 3, above, where the mass of the spinning body is distributed symmetrically about its spin axis, which on experiencing a torque (of whatever origin) is induced to precess with the result that the centre of mass of that body moves about a second axis, substantially as shown in Figures 1,2 and 3, herein.
5. A claim as in claims 1,2 and 3, above, where the mass of the spinning body is distributed asymmetrically about its spin axis, and which is induced to precess by the action of a torque (of whatever origin) under conditions where the centre of mass of that body moves about a second axis, substantially as shown in Figure 7, herein.
6. A claim as in claims 1,2 and 3, above, whereby a propulsive force is generated by one or more bodies which are confined to a given system by internal forces acting within it, and move about an axis under conditions where the system experiences a precession about a second axis when a torque acts about a third axis, substantially as shown in Figure 9, herein.
7. A claim as in claims 1,2, 3 and 6, above, where the axis about which one or more of the given bodies revolves is fixed or changes position, and where two or more of these bodies share a common axis, or where each has a different rotational axis.

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8. A claim as in claims 1,2, 3,4, 5,6 and 7, above, where the torque acting on the rotational axis (or axes) of the intact system, inducing it to precess about another axis, originates from the Earth's gravitational field.
9. A claim as in claims 1,2, 3,4, 5,6, 7 and 8, above, where the propulsive impulse derives from a change in momentum of any component of a rotational system as a result of its precession, with the reaction to this internal impulse arising externally on the source of the forces inducing this precession.
10. A claim as in claims 1,2, 3,4, 5,6, 7, and 8, above, where the torque acting on the rotational axis (or axes) of the intact system originates from any source external to it, or is wholly or in part produced by forces generated entirely within the system itself
11. A claim as in claims 2,3, 4,5, 6,7, 8,9, and 10, above, where the apparatus (or any part thereof) experiences a propulsive force displacing it with respect to a device with which it interacts, thereby transforming all or part of the kinetic energy of that apparatus into another form of energy imparted to that device, substantially as shown in Figures 10 and 11 herein.
12. A method and apparatus whereby a force is generated within a rotational system as a result of a precession of its centre of mass arising from the action of a torque on the rotational axis of that system, substantially as described herein by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, marked Figures 1 to 9.
13. A method and an apparatus whereby a rotational system is displaced by an internal force while undergoing precession and generates energy by interacting with a system external to it, with respect to which its displacement is measured, substantially as described herein by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, marked Figures 10 and 11.

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14. A claim as in claim 1, above, where the method of obtaining a linear force depends on inducing a rotational system to precess thereby changing the linear momentum associated with an inherent mass asymmetry about its rotational axis, with the reaction to that change in linear momentum not occurring within the system.
15. An apparatus substantially as shown in Figure 12, where the method described in claim 13, above, is used to obtain a linear force by utilising the change in linear momentum of the mass asymmetry thereby produced.
16. A claim as in claims 14 and 15, above, where the change in linear momentum arising from the precession of a system having a mass asymmetry about its rotational axis occurs in any specific embodiment of the present invention, including the versions illustrated in Figures 1,3, 5,6, 7, and 9, herein.
17. A claim as in claims 11 and 16, above, where a system with a mass asymmetry about its rotational axis experiences a change in its internal linear momentum attributable to its precession, with a resulting increase in the kinetic energy of this mass asymmetry which is utilised as a source of energy.
18. A claim as in claim 17, above, where this increase in kinetic energy of the mass asymmetry derives from the Earth's gravitational field and is transformed into any other form of energy by a device which acts on it to reduce its kinetic energy.
19. A method and apparatus whereby a force is generated within a system having a mass asymmetry about its rotational axis, where this mass asymmetry experiences changes in its linear momentum resulting from the precession of that system while influenced by external forces, thereby producing a propulsive force and gain in kinetic energy substantially as described herein by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing marked Figure 12.