Summary

In this paper the author presents a device capable of accelerating an object in empty space without expelling any of the objects mass. The underlying physics of this 'propulsive' process make two fundamental assumptions: Special Relativity accurately describes physical reality, and the inertia of an object is caused by the interaction of that object with some other entity, and is not an inherent property of only the accelerated object itself. With these two statements as his starting point, the author describes a methodology making it possible to induce transient mass fluctuations in an object by rapidly changing is energy density (e.g. running an electric current through it). This methodology is validated by laboratory experiment, and the resulting data is presented. The author then outlines how an 'Impulse Engine' may be constructed working on the same principle. The concept described easily lends itself to laboratory scale experimentations using today's technology while promising far reaching implications to related devices (warp-drive, wormhole travel).

Abstract

Mach's principle and local Lorentz-invariance together yield the prediction of transient rest mass fluctuations in accelerated objects. These rest mass fluctuations, in both principle and practice, can be quiet large and, in principle at least, negative. They suggest that exotic space-time transport devices may be feasible, the least exotic being "impulse engines", devices that can produce accelerations without ejecting any material exhaust. A scheme of this sort is presented and issues raised elating to conservation principles are examined.

Paper