Re: My new site
bill@iglobal.net
Thu, 28 Nov 1996 19:59:41 -5
I have to agree with you on this one, Eliezer. I've seen this idea
(imbalanced centrifugal drive) before. In the book "How To Build A
Flying Saucer" (T.B. Pawlicki, 1981), the author describes a couple
of variations on this theme, each with a different mechanical
implementation. Both of them produce a motion similar to what is
shown in the animation on the Lorrey Drive web page. Neither of
them work. The Lorrey Drive may be different in implementation, but
it is still the same in principle and carries with it the same fatal
flaw as Pawlicki's variants. Devices of this kind cannot work.
> From: Eliezer Yudkowsky <sentience@pobox.com>
...........
> Net change in momentum: -5 + 20 + -5 + -10 = *0*.
>
> It does not work. It will not go. Sorry, Mike.
>
> Trust me, I know how you feel - I, too, had a cherished Great Idea, but
> luckily found the flaw *before* it was published.
>
> Oh, well.
> Eliezer Yudkowsky.
---
Peace,
William Kitchen
bill@iglobal.net