Gyroscopic Propulsion: Could Gyroscopes Levitate Objects?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the potential use of gyroscopes to produce upward linear thrust or to push an object in a specific direction. However, it is determined that an internal device cannot create an external force and would be working against itself. The idea of using turbines to blow air downward is suggested as a more practical solution. The conversation also touches on the topic of Tesla and the misconceptions surrounding his ideas. Lastly, the concept of using internally spinning fly-wheels to keep a hovercraft in place is discussed, but it is concluded that the craft would either remain stationary or show some twist. Overall, the conversation presents interesting ideas but ultimately concludes that they are not feasible due to the laws of physics.
  • #1
crockman1
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could gyroscopes be used to produce upward linear thrust? or be used to push something along at least? i was looking at an attempted recreation of teslas flying stove and i was wondering if powered gyroscopes could be placed at what he referred to as "eccentrics" to produce upward momentum and make the machine levitate. here is the site:

[crackpot link deleted]

a cool concept worth looking into. i am trying to figure out if such a device could be effective in overcoming its own weight, or at least producing some sort of displacement of inertia causing it to move in a straight line in some direction?
 
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  • #2
No, there is no way an internal device can produce an external force. That would be a violation of several laws of physics, such as conservation of energy and Newton's laws of motion.

Tesla wasn't quite the crackpot people think he was - things like the site you linked probably are improperly attributed to him because he is a popular "mad scientist".
 
  • #3
It would appear that the momenta of the rotating masses cancel. As much momentum is going upward outside as is going downward inside, or vice versa.

It would make more sense to use turbines to blow air downward.
 
  • #4
I can't speak about your link, since it has been deleted, but I totally agree with Russ and Astronuc. The thing would be working against itself. The only way to extract any energy from a gyroscope is if you have some even stronger external source powering it.
 
  • #5
If an internal device can not create an external force, would shifting(pumping) a mass like a liquid between tanks at either end of a vessel in space, shift that vessel back and forth in space?
 
  • #6
If you had a device that was already floating by force down (eg hovercraft) and had fast internally spinning fly-wheels on opposite sides spinning in opposite directions (from the sides that is: left side clockwise; right side anti-clockwise), would the device remain fixed over the one spot? Or would it move horizontally?
If you had just one flywheel on one side of the hovercraft would the craft show any twist or remain stationary?
 
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  • #7
epv said:
If an internal device can not create an external force, would shifting(pumping) a mass like a liquid between tanks at either end of a vessel in space, shift that vessel back and forth in space?
Sort of. The center of mass of the system never moves, though. That's the point of my statement.
 

1. How does gyroscopic propulsion work?

Gyroscopic propulsion works by utilizing the principle of angular momentum to generate motion. A spinning gyroscope creates a force that opposes any change in its orientation, allowing it to move in a desired direction.

2. Can gyroscopic propulsion levitate objects?

While gyroscopes can generate a powerful force, they are not capable of levitating objects on their own. Other factors such as weight, shape, and air resistance play a role in determining whether an object can be levitated using gyroscopic propulsion.

3. What are the potential applications of gyroscopic propulsion?

Gyroscopic propulsion has been studied for its potential use in spacecraft propulsion and hovercraft technology. It has also been proposed as a way to improve the stability and maneuverability of vehicles such as cars, bikes, and boats.

4. Are there any limitations to gyroscopic propulsion?

Gyroscopic propulsion has some limitations, such as the need for a power source to keep the gyroscope spinning and the potential for gyroscopic precession to affect the direction of motion. Additionally, it may not be suitable for larger or heavier objects due to the amount of force required.

5. Is there any evidence to support the idea of using gyroscopic propulsion for levitation?

There is currently no scientific evidence to support the idea of using gyroscopic propulsion for levitation. While there have been some small-scale experiments and demonstrations, more research and testing is needed to determine the feasibility of this concept.

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