Forgot about an interesting paper by G. Harry Stine on acceleration
gradients, check out; http://keelynet.com/energy/orrcent.htm
The relevant quote;
> Centrifuges can be used to produce acceleration gradients. This is
> because the acceleration caused by the rotation of a centrifuge
> depends on how far you are from the center of rotation. On the end of
> the centrifuge arm or wheel, the acceleration caused by centrifugal
> force is greatest.
> As you move in toward the center of rotation, the acceleration
> becomes less and less. In free-fall, you would be in a weightless
> condition at the center of rotation. Thus, there is a difference of
> gradient in the acceleration.
> A steeper gradient can be created by making the centrifuge smaller
> and spinning it at a higher rate. Thus, for example, it would be
> possible to have a space centrifuge with a normal, one-g,
> Earth-surface type of acceleration on its end or rim while several
> feet inward toward the hub, the acceleration could be half that
> amount.
> Nobody has really given too much consideration to the fact that it
> is possible to obtain acceleration gradients in space for industrial
> purposes. It's not really possible to get an acceleration gradient
> from one-g down to zero-g here on Earth because of the Earth's
> gravitational field.
This assumes you are in touch with the spinning body, if you free float
in the air or vacuum within such a hollow spinning wheel, you would not
be pushed to the outside rim because there is no 'gravity'.
Much like the carnival ride which consists of a large spinning drum,
having a vertical axis. People place their bodies against the inside rim
and the machine increases in speed until you are 'stuck' to the sides by
centrifugal force...the wheel then tilts upward by as much as 45 or more
degrees, yet the rotational velocity is sufficient to keep you stuck to
the inner rim.
I have noticed a 'feeling' of being drawn into large spinning masses.
Kind of like a very weak pull. Don't know if it is subjective or if
there is really a force. The late Bruce DePalma said he had done
experiments showing that watches would slow when held near heavy rotating
masses. Does anyone know if DePalma shielded these watches from
electrostatics or entrained motion of air?
-- Jerry W. Decker / jdecker@keelynet.com http://keelynet.com / "From an Art to a Science" Voice : (214) 324-8741 / FAX : (214) 324-8741 KeelyNet - PO BOX 870716 - Mesquite - Republic of Texas - 75187