Posted by Vector Viper (205.162.15.2) on May 03, 2003 at 23:29:37:
In Reply to: 12 years experience in failed PM model building posted by Vlado Novak on May 03, 2003 at 09:15:51:
: Hi to all
: I am new to this site, and have found the previous posts to be interesting reading.
: I have been trying to build a working model for the last 12 years, long before I heard about Bessler, or had net access.
I am very new to the game-some 4-5 months since I discovered
this group.
: It seems the learning curve to a successful model is a long and slow one. Just as I was about to throw my hands up in despair, I came across the John Collins book, purchased it, and now have a sort of renewed faith in the possibilty, so to John, thanks for at least giving me re-newed hope.
I want that book too-a must buy.
: I have university knowledge in Mechanical Engineering, and consider my knowledge of forces, angular and linear momentum, acceleration, centripetal force, torque, inertia, precession, rotation, the consevation laws, and all the rest, to be second to none.
I am more of a general tinkerer.
: I know in my head it should be impossible, however, my heart says there must be a way.
Yeah, all of our hearts say that...
: First off, let me say it can be very discouraging to build model after model, only to see them all dismally fail to spin.
Well,I'm lucky-only 1 model failed to work; of course
I only built one!
: I have not actually built a large number of models, probably around 6 in the 12 years, as 99.9% of the time I can, on paper, disprove that they will work.
I test little sections first if I can...
: Many hundreds, if not thousands, of drawings, calculations, etc later.
I'm up to 40 pages of ideas, drawings, etc...
I've had about 7 main principles/ideas to grind on...
: However, I have just completed my most ambitious model for testing purposes. It has been custom machined by various engineering shops to be highly modifiable, to allow a lot of different test simulations and configurations to be done on it. The parts are made from aluminium, tool steel etc, with many different arms, bearings etc, all CNC machined from billets. I figure at least building it this way, although longer and much more expensive, will allow me to test many different ways on the one model, rather than keep building specific model after model. I have also purchased test equipment to measure results, such as infared tachometers, speed indicators etc.
I am on a low budget-I use whatever parts I can get:
Plastic gears,vcr parts, bearings, etc...
Because of this, my models will be small, 1-2 feet wide...
: Having just taken final delivery of the last few components today, I guess I feel excited that at least some testing can now be done, rather than just calculate and theorise on paper.
: If anyone is interested, I will post some pictures of it.
Oh yeah,I'd love to see it!
: It has taken me almost three years to design, budget for, and get built.
All I can do is wish you luck!
: I am now at a stage where I can test one concept at least which has been gnawing away at me for the last few years, and I hope, at least for some sign that I am on the right track.
: Anyways, as I read through the posts, it amazes me that so many people have an interest in this field.
: I hope to participate in the discussions, and put in my two cents worth where I feel I may have some knowledge or experience to contribute (or maybe just to vent some frustration :)
: If anyone feels they would like an expert engineering analysis of their design, as long as the design is not too complicated (as it takes time to analyse all the forces involved and calculate), I will try to accomodate you (also, as long as I am not suddenly swamped with requests), within my spare time.
: Cheers, and may the PM force be with you --- Vlad :)
Viper