Difference between revisions of "Iulian Berca"

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(Added list of possible error sources, with forum link)
m (Test Results)
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* Thermal buckling causing a shift in the COM
 
* Thermal buckling causing a shift in the COM
 
* Forces between wires connected to the frustum and wires that are not
 
* Forces between wires connected to the frustum and wires that are not
 +
 +
Also see [[Possible_Error_Sources]] for discussion of error sources, not specific to this setup.
  
 
== Future Plans ==
 
== Future Plans ==

Revision as of 09:55, 4 June 2015

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.

On the forum a number of possible error sources have been mentioned, that could affect these results. They include:

  • Material ablation/ejection
  • Thermal convection outside of the cavity from heated walls
  • The force of the spring on Iulian's torque arm
  • Accumulating errors in the digital scale from rf exposure
  • Thermal buckling causing a shift in the COM
  • Forces between wires connected to the frustum and wires that are not

Also see Possible_Error_Sources for discussion of error sources, not specific to this setup.

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.

References

http://www.masinaelectrica.com/emdrive-independent-test/