[extropy-chat] Casimir Torque Project

[Hal Finney]

Adrian Tymes writes:
> http://www.wingedcat.com/ct/casimirtorque.txt
> http://www.wingedcat.com/ct/casimirtorque.gif
> ...
> The general reaction I've gotten from academics who know quantum
> physics is that it doesn't violate what we know - but they don't want
> to say it should work unless I can produce a working prototype.

I gather that you realize that this is a perpetual motion machine of the
first kind - it violates conservation of energy.  It's no different in
principle from the overbalanced wheels of the medievals.  Just because it
relies on quantum effects, that doesn't free you from the need to conserve
energy.  I'm curious who these academics are who are so willing to imagine
that a machine can work which violates such a fundamental principle

Mike Lorrey will probably complain that I am being a naysayer.  I'm sorry,
but at this point in time I don't see how we can credibly propose to
violate the laws of physics.  I'm not saying that you can't spend your
time doing whatever you like, but people should not expect this machine
to work.  You would do better to apply your budding micromachining skills
to a design that is consistent with the laws of nature.

Hal