For those not familiar with EmDrive technology, I suggest a visit to the following sites:
Here is a recent post that I made to the NASA space flight forum:
Lurker and former engineer here making first post. I'm intrigued by the theoretical outlays here, but wondering how many among us are potential DIY experimentalists? I believe that sufficient information is now accessible to the public to independently replicate and confirm this technology widely. I envision something along the lines of the DIY drone developers and their enthusiasm for advancing that field, with a rapid feedback loop and dispersion of information.
For starters, here is the latest published patent application: http://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/biblio?DB=EPODOC&II=0&ND=3&adjacent=true&locale=en_EP&FT=D&date=20130206&CC=GB&NR=2493361A&KC=A
YBCO superconducting film to line the inner cavity: http://www.mtixtl.com/YBCO100nm-film-SrTiO3-101005.aspx
3GHz+ signal generators: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR5.TRC1.A0.H0.X3ghz+signal+generator&_nkw=3ghz+signal+generator&_sacat=0
Microwave power amplifiers: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=microwave+signal+amplifier&_from=R40|R40|R40&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xmicrowave+power+amplifier&_nkw=microwave+power+amplifier&_sacat=0
The architectural design, materials, and concepts are described in a fairly straight-forward manner in the patent publication. YBCO film is superconducting above liquid nitrogen boiling point. I estimate that an experiment could be put together for less than $2000 of parts. Of course, the requisite time and knowledge for carrying it out would need to be conducted, probably with no compensation. Who among us are willing and able? Is there a Steve Jobs of propellentless devices among these ranks? My thought is that to advance this tech quickly, technically capable and independent people, not beholden too much to dogma or larger institutions, are going to have to run with it and spread it as far and wide as possible.
Replies
The EmDrive is a fascinating technology. I'm still a bit skeptical that is actually working the way NASA thinks. I want to see it work in a vacuum. That said, if this does work as advertised, I propose a version where the end plates have complementary jagged surfaces. I reason that if there is increased surface area, then I would expect vacuum particles to more frequently get energized within the confined space of the end plate.
I would also suggest a Kickstarter campaign for this technology by someone capable with electrical engineering and machine tools. It will require some custom fabrication to optimize the technology. The development may be a little easier than we think assuming NASA has it right here.
Yes, I agree that NASA needs to produce more evidence of it working. Entities in Europe and China are also working on it, with positive results, so looks like there is at least smoke elsewhere, and probably indicative of fire.
Here is a suggestion for amplifying the effect without the use of super conductors, which would make it much easier to replicate for the DIY community:
http://www.reddit.com/r/EmDrive/comments/2mpfi7/new_paper_suggests_...