Would the following test be proof of a successful propulsion system?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of a propulsion system that operates within a sealed environment, specifically whether such a system could be considered proof of successful propulsion for use in outer space. The scenario involves an apparatus fixed to a pendulum or swing, capable of moving forward without external assistance or mass repositioning.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a scenario where an apparatus in a sealed box could propel itself forward, questioning if this would demonstrate a successful propulsion system for space travel.
  • Another participant argues against this claim, stating that movement in a swing does not translate to space travel due to the absence of external forces like tension and gravity in space.
  • A later post indicates that the discussion may relate to reactionless drives, which are noted as a forbidden topic on the forum.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach consensus; there are competing views regarding the validity of the proposed propulsion system and its implications for space travel.

Contextual Notes

The discussion touches on the limitations of the proposed experiment, particularly regarding the energy requirements for propulsion within a sealed box and the implications of movement in a terrestrial versus a space environment.

Fizzics
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If an apparatus was placed in a sealed box, and was then fixed to the seat of a childrens swing or a pendulum.

And then, if it could propel itself (total mass 10kg) forward approximately 5 inches with a single pulse independently of any outside assistance and also without repositioning any masses within the box.

This pulse could then be repeated an unlimited amount of times, also there would be no external influences such as a fan or wind.

Would this apparatus then be proof of a successful propulsion system that could be used in outer space?
 
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Fizzics said:
Would this apparatus then be proof of a successful propulsion system that could be used in outer space?
No.
It might move a swing, but that says nothing about space travel, where there is no rope or tensile force. The swing, and the tree that supports it, rotates with the Earth on its axis.

How would the energy required for a propulsion system enter the sealed box?
 
Thread prefix changed from "A" (graduate school level) to "B" (basic).
 
Thread closed temporarily for Moderation...
 
Fizzics said:
If an apparatus was placed in a sealed box, and was then fixed to the seat of a childrens swing or a pendulum.

And then, if it could propel itself (total mass 10kg) forward approximately 5 inches with a single pulse independently of any outside assistance and also without repositioning any masses within the box.

This pulse could then be repeated an unlimited amount of times, also there would be no external influences such as a fan or wind.

Would this apparatus then be proof of a successful propulsion system that could be used in outer space?
This appears to be an attempt to discuss Reactionless Drives. They are a Forbidden Topic per the PF Rules. The thread will remain closed.
PF Forbidden Topics said:
EMDrive and other reactionless drives
See https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/nasas-em-drive.884753/
 
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