Prof. Laithwaite's Gyroscope Experiments Part II

Experiments and modelling

I don't have a large gyroscope, but I did try one very simple experiment: I tried to lift a weight of 31 pounds (an old U-shaped modified transformer core) with one hand at arm's length. I was simply unable to lift it like that, or even at somewhat less than arm's length.

I have done some modelling of this gyro-lifting problem in UM (Universal Mechanism).

UM model of a precessing gyroscope whose base is attached to the rotating Earth.
This modelling is still "work in progress"

The above image shows a gyroscope with a 30kg wheel which can be force-precessed if desired, and whose base is attached to the rotating Earth. Generally speaking, we know that a spinning gyroscope likes to orient itself with respect to an absolute inertial frame, rather than to an Earth-based laboratory frame. So, the idea is to see whether the locus of the gyroscope's base, which is "falling away" from a straight-line inertial frame as the Earth rotates, causes any change in expected behaviour (such as an apparent weight reduction, or an energy imbalance — e.g. less than the expected amount of energy required to raise the gyroscope through a vertical distance as seen in the laboratory frame). So far I haven't found anything really significant; but I could, and probably should do more investigation.

I'll have more to say about other non-gyroscopic rotating-Earth experiments in the future.

Better physical experiments

Regardless of theoretical modelling, it would be very desirable to repeat Prof. Laithwaite's physical gyro-lifting experiment with modern torque, force and position measuring equipment. Instead of just standing on the ground, the experimenter would stand on equipment capable of measuring and recording the instantaneous torque and force he was exerting throughout the lift (including starting and stopping the precession of the gyro). Some method of recording the instantaneous torque and force, both vertical and horizontal, being exerted at the all-important point of contact between the experimenter's hand and the axle would also be essential. Finally, the instantaneous position in all three dimensions of both the gyro wheel and the experimenter's hand should be recorded.

Depending on the results obtained, it might be necessary to go on to a second experiment, partly to deal with the extremely unlikely "explanation" seen occasionally, that energy is somehow being taken from the spinning gyroscope wheel, and somehow assisting its rise. (Examination of the gyroscope's construction shows that the wheel's bearings should isolate it from delivering energy like this — the wheel can only lose energy gradually from air and bearing friction). Measurements of the wheel's rotational velocity, and hence its energy could be made, but then spurious losses from bearing friction, e.g. during the initial precession, could be a problem. Probably a gyroscope with a better wheel suspension, such as magnetic or even superconductive (Meissner effect) suspension would be necessary in that case. Also, a sensitive strain-gauge on the shaft could be worthwhile.

The recorded data from properly instrumented experiments could be analysed to give results such as the energy being input and delivered over time; whether there is really any weight reduction being measured at the gyro axle; and assuming the lifting force is roughly constant, whether there is any tendency for the gyro to accelerate upwards (as could be expected in a "falling-away" laboratory frame), etc.

Yes, I'm aware that a video comes up at the end of the Australian replication video I posted last time (by clicking on one of the option buttons) that shows the experimenter standing on a domestic scale, from which it is concluded there is no weight loss. But to me, this is an inadequately-instrumented and far from decisive experiment.

Sussex University experiments

An ordinary domestic scale is not even as good as the instrumentation that Prof. Laithwaite used in his Sussex University experiments more than two decades ago, from which his understanding of "mass transfer" evolved; see the video below at about 21:08—  

At least it's good to see Prof. Laithwaite unrepentant at the end of this video, totally convinced that he had discovered something new and useful.