Iulian Berca
Romanian engineer Iulian Berca began EmDrive experiments in May, 2015. He was the first amateur experimenter to fabricate a working EmDrive and sucessfully record thrust from the device.
Experimental Setup
Iulian Berca built a copper fustrum with dimensions similar to the device tested by NASA Eagleworks in 2014 and 2015. He powered this device with a 800-1200W magnetron directly inserted into the fustrum. He originally tested this in a horizontal orientation suspended from fishing line, hoping to visually detect thrust. He then changed his testing setup to hang the fustrum from a balance arm resting on a microgram scale. Thrust was then detected based on changes in the weight measured by the scale.
Test Results
Berca's first two tests were inconclusive, as thrust was not visually detectable. In test #3, thrust was detected with the fustrum's direction of motion oriented up (small end up). In test 3.1 he reversed the orientation (small end down) and again detected thrust.
Future Plans
Berca is currently modifying the fustrum to include an adjustable plate on the small end similar to Shawyer's demonstration unit (though without the motor; adjustments will be made manually). He will then retest multiple times to find what length provides optimal thrust.
