Wednesday, September 22, 2010

[eelxqvtk] Train on train on train

Consider a train with railroad tracks on its roof.  One can run another such train on those tracks, and so forth, eventually exceeding the speed of light.  It's a fallacy because time slows down the higher up the stack you go, affecting relative velocity.

Nevertheless, the challenge is to build such a contraption, probably at model-size.  Because we have limited space, we first lay down a circular track and place a circular "train" of exactly the same circumference on it and then continue stacking.

At higher levels, centrifugal force might become a problem.  We construct a tall center post, and anchor each train via spokes to it.  Each train is more like a horizontal bicycle wheel.  The post and spokes might also be useful for power distribution, or one could use electrified rails from train to train.

The result is a rotating cylinder whose top rotates much faster than the bottom.    Put mirrors on the side and replicate Michelson's speed of light experiment.  Put a cap on the top and it's a turntable.

racecar on train

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