Physicists build world's smallest motor Berkeley News

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around the development of the smallest synthetic motor, as highlighted by Alex Zettl, a professor at UC Berkeley. He notes that while synthetic motors are advancing, biological motors still hold a slight edge in size. The conversation then shifts to the concept of large engines, with participants expressing skepticism about the performance of a specific large engine mentioned. There are calculations presented regarding horsepower per ton, with a comparison made between a large engine's output and a hypothetical scenario involving multiple GSX-R 750 turbo motorcycles, emphasizing the potential for higher horsepower and a more appealing sound. Overall, the dialogue reflects a blend of fascination with advancements in synthetic motors and a playful critique of large engine performance.
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"It's the smallest synthetic motor that's ever been made," said Alex Zettl, professor of physics at UC Berkeley and faculty scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. "Nature is still a little bit ahead of us - there are biological motors that are equal or slightly smaller in size - but we are catching up."

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http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2003/07/23_motor.shtml
 
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what will they think of next?!? the world's largest engine?
http://www.jerry-howell.com/12-Cylinder.html
 
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wow that engine is really bad. (the big one)

100,000 bhp may seem a lot, but that's only 50 bhp per ton!

2000 tonns of GSX-R 750 turbo's would make 500,000 bhp. (at 200 bhp per ton) plus would sound cooler.

i think my calculations are correct. feel free to say other wise.
 

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