Lifter device testing in a vacuum

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    Device Testing Vacuum
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the testing of lifter devices in a vacuum, particularly addressing the viability of these devices when ionized air flow is absent. Participants explore the implications of vacuum conditions on the operation of lifters, referencing various studies and theories related to their functionality.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant references a lab that conducted successful testing of lifters in a vacuum, questioning the reasons why this phenomenon might not be harnessed effectively.
  • Another participant suggests that understanding the referenced paper could clarify the relationship between dielectric thrusters and lifters.
  • A participant introduces the LEVITRON as a potentially similar principle to lifters, proposing that lifters might operate electrostatically without the need for spinning to maintain equilibrium.
  • One participant claims to have cross-referenced information, asserting that previous experiments on lifters were poorly documented and that the results were negative, indicating a likely ion wind effect rather than a genuine thrust mechanism.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effectiveness and validity of lifter devices in a vacuum. Some support the idea of successful operation, while others challenge the credibility of existing experiments and suggest that results may be due to other effects.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the interpretation of experimental results and the definitions of terms related to the operation of lifters. The discussion reflects a range of assumptions about the mechanisms at play and the conditions required for lifter functionality.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in experimental physics, propulsion technologies, and the theoretical underpinnings of electrostatic devices may find this discussion relevant.

Zantra
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http://www.tdimension.com/news.html

I believe TEN had mentioned that these things wouldn't work in a vacuum due to ionized air flow. Well here's a lab who did successful testing in a vacuum. I'm sure there's a reason this cannot be harnessed, but maybe someone would fill in the blanks for me? Is it a matter of directionality or something else I'm not thinking of?

Here's the paper that was published on it- it's in PDF format.

http://www.tdimension.com/documents/AIAA 2001 Manuscript.pdf
 
Last edited:
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No comments so far? I would recommend reading the paper on this subject, so it becomes clearer
 
Originally posted by Zantra
No comments so far? I would recommend reading the paper on this subject, so it becomes clearer

Zantra: I would recommend you read it (the 2nd site you referenced). Then tell me why you think it has anything to do with the first one about dielectric thrusters (lifters).[?]

Creator
 
Last edited:
Originally posted by Creator
Zantra: I would recommend you read it (the 2nd site you referenced). Then tell me why you think it has anything to do with the first one about dielectric thrusters (lifters).[?]

Creator

It doesn't? OK my mistake. It was the paper referenced by the same site. Unfortunately I had some difficulty understanding the paper to the fullest extent.

Someone clear this up for me?
 
Do you know the LEVITRON ?

www.levitron.com/physics.html

Maybe the LIFTERs works on a similar principle, but electrostatic, and needing no spin to maintain the equilibrium of forces.
 
I've cross referenced this, and as far as I can tell, it's a haox. Only two experiments of this type were properly documented, of which one was peer-reviewed. Both were negative. The latests one even detected a relationship between the pressure of the gas around the lifter drive and it's thrust, suggesting strongly it was an ion wind effect. The other experiments that do confirm it could not be reproduced, and hence were probably due to the use of an inadequate vacuum.

Quick link:
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.08/pwr_antigravity_pr.html
 
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