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Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology / Why wouldn't this perpetual motion machine work?
« on: 30/09/2009 10:08:30 »
I understand that friction of the piston and resistance of the water will tend to slow the machine down, but the fundamental question is this:
Will the cylinder be more buoyant when the heavy piston is pointed down than when it is pointed up?
If the answer is yes, then (in theory at least) such resistance can be overcome by making the cylinders larger or the pistons heavier.
Problem is, I don't know how to calculate buoyancy in this setting. Any engineers out there want to give it a try?
John Gamel
Will the cylinder be more buoyant when the heavy piston is pointed down than when it is pointed up?
If the answer is yes, then (in theory at least) such resistance can be overcome by making the cylinders larger or the pistons heavier.
Problem is, I don't know how to calculate buoyancy in this setting. Any engineers out there want to give it a try?
John Gamel