PROPULSION DEVICE

Abstract: A self-propelled propulsion device comprises a fluid inlet, a plurality of spaced apart discs (18) having coaxial central openings aligned with the fluid inlet, each disc having a convex upper surface (27) and a concave lower surface (28), the axial distance between the discs (18) being greater at the peripheries than at the openings, and, a pump for delivering fluid into the inlet. The device is said to operate as follows: by the use of curved discs (18) the fluid is directed over the lower surface (28) of the discs (18) (shown as x). The restriction (23) causes the fluid passing through it to accelerate and creates a low pressure or vacuum (shown as _) between the fluid and the upper surface (27) of the discs (18). As the fluid attempts to compress, its specific gravity changes increasing the frictional contact between the fluid and the lower surface (28) of the discs (18). Consequently, the fluid is slowed down. The fluid issues from the periphery of the discs (18) and succeeding issuing streams combine (shown as ....) to form a venturi in the area between the issuing streams and the peripheries of the discs (18). This venturi causes a retarding suction upon the issuing streams which dramatically slows the speed of the issuing stream from its speed just before it leaves the lower surface (28) of the discs (18). This suction force acts along the upper surface (27) of the discs (18) to reinforce the forward (or upward) thrust of the fluid reacting against the lower surface (28). The device may be utilised in either a closed or open system with the discs held stationary or affixed together but free to rotate.

Description: PROPULSION DEVICE A FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a propulsion device which utilises fluids. More particularly the invention is adapted for use with liquids or gases. The propulsion device may be used on any construction requiring movement, for example aircraft, boats and land vehicles. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to improve the efficiency of propulsion devices. In this respect the invention proposes a different device to those propulsion devices currently known which exhibits increased efficiency. Accordingly there is provided a propulsion device comprising: (a) an inlet for a source of fluid, (k) a plurality of aligned discs, each having an axial opening, a partially convex upper surface and a partially concave lower surface, the discs defining spaces therebetween, each of the spaces having a restriction adjacent the opening and an axial width at the periphery of each disc larger than the width of the restriction: an (c) means to deliver the fluid into the opening and through the restriction at a rate sufficient to fill the restric ion. As fluid is directed into the openings in the discs, it enters the restriction. The constant volume of fluid presented to the restriction causes an acceleration of the fluid through the restriction into the remaining space between adjacent discs. The fluid moves across the space under the influence of forces derived from the centrifugal force on the fluids. These forces try to compress the fluid and have the effect of changing the specific gravity of the fluid. This results in the fluid having an increased frictional contact with the lower surface of each disc and consequently the fluid tends to slow down. The centrifugal forces are induced by delivery of the fluid to the restriction. For example, the means to direct the fluid into the opening may be an impeller or pump. In this respect the discs may be either stationary or rotated. It is preferred for the area of the opening to be at least twice the combined areas of the restrictions. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the restriction is formed by a projection upon the upper surface of the discs. Typically this projection is formed as an upstanding -lip having a curved surface presented towards the incoming fluid. The trailing profile of the lip is preferably cut away to induce a void downstream of the lip on the lower surface of the discs. Accordingly, a choke area is formed to specifically alter the flow characteristics of the incoming fluid to improve the thrus performance of the discs. As the fluid tracks across the space between the discs, the fluid is forced onto the lower surface. The effect of the restriction promotes a low pressure or vacuum area on the upper surface of the discs. As fluid streams issue from the periphery of the discs they combine and slow down by the formation of a venturi in the area between the issuing fluids and the succeeding peripheries of the discs. More particularly, the venturi action imposes a retarding suction on the fluid which is issuing from the periphery of each disc. This dramatically slows the speed of the issuing fluid compared to the fluid just before it issues and the energy is transformed to suction energy along the upper surface of the discs. This vacuum reinforces the vacuum formed along the entire upper surface of succeeding discs under the influence of the restriction which additional vacuum reinforces a forward thrust moment of the fluid upon the lower surface of the discs as it moves along that surface. As such the disc orientation and restriction utilised by the invention transforms and reinforces the thrust force on the discs, thereby giving much greater thrust for a relatively small amount of energy input. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper surface of the discs adjacent the opening and restriction are disposed at 10 to 15 degrees to the horizontal. This has been found to impart improved flow and thrust characteristics to the propulsion device. Similarly, the disposition of the upper and lower surfaces at the periphery of each disc is preferably 80 to 85 degrees to the horizontal. The discs may be kept in their defined relationship by any suitable means. In one preferred alternative the discs are pinned by at least one set of pins passing though each of the discs. Similarly, the discs may be fixed in a housing having an inlet and an outlet for fluid. Where the discs are to rotate, they may be affixed relative to one another and journaled in appropriate bearings. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the discs are located in a closed housing provided with means to circulate a predetermined amount of fluid towards the opening of the discs. Fluid is not permitted to leave the housing. To promote the desired flow, the housing may be journaled for rotation about the axis of the discs. This movement will impart a centrifugal force to the enclosed fluid. To improve this effect baffles can be disposed adjacent the housing internal surfaces. The fluid is in turn induced towards the center of the housing and to the opening in the discs by a centripetal impeller located in axial alignment with the axis of the discs. Where a centripetal impeller is used it must rotate at a slower speed than the fluid it influences. In doing so the fluid is slowed down by braking the impeller and the specific gravity of the fluid decreases. This lighter fluid is guided towards the axis of the housing arid into the opening. The energy released by the braking of the impeller is transferred via gears to the rotating housing. In another preferred form of the invention the discs are thicker at their centre and taper towards their periphery which increases the area of the space. The lower surface area over which the fluid passes is accordingly increased which in view of the aforementioned frictional forces further assists the slowing of the fluid issuing from the periphery of the discs. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of closed system incorporating discs according to the invention. Figure 2 is a plan view of a centrifugal tube impeller used in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a plan view of a centripetal impeller used in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of discs according -to the invention. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a particular shape of disc. Figure 6 is a schematic drawing of the flow of fluid across discs of the invention. Referring to Figure 1, a closed propulsion system 1 which is full of fluid and consists of the following: An enclosed turning cylinder 2 is carried by a drive shaft 3. Drive sha t 3 has its ends supported in bearings 4 and 5. One end of the drive shaft 1 which is closest to bearing 5 encloses two inner shafts 6 and 7. Inner shaft 6 carries a centrifugal impeller 8 and inner shaft 7 carries centripetal impeller 9. The shape of centrifugal impeller 8 and centripetal impeller 9 are shown in Figures 2 and 3 respectively. The relative speed of inner shaft 6 and inner shaft 7 can be set by the use of gears 10 and 11 which interact (e.g. by pulleys) with gears 12 and 13 carried by a common shaft. The shaft 3 is directly coupled to the cylinder 2 and is driven by whichever power plant is available. Inside the cylinder 2 are baffles 14 and 15, the purpose of which is to promote the rotation of fluid in cylinder 2. By increasing the rotational speed of the cylinder 2 about axis A, the centrifugal force upon the fluid increases forcing the fluid away from the axis A towards the walls of cylinder 2. In particular, the area in which baffles 15 are located constitutes a gathering basin. The function of the gathering basin is to collect the fluid under centrifugal pressure eliminating gas and air pollution in the fluid thus supplying the centripetal impeller 9 with the fluid circulating through the system. Inner shaft 6 is driven by centripetal impeller 9. Impeller 9 will work only if its speed is slower than the speed of the fluid in which it turns. As shown in Figure 3, the impeller has vanes 16 of a height which increases in the direction towards axis A. This will have the result that the fluid moves to the centre of the impeller 9 and into the opening 17 of centrifugal impeller 8. The greater the difference in rotational speed of impeller 9 and the rotating cylinder 2 the greater the fluid delivery through the opening 17 and the pressure of the discharged fluid into .the discs 18. As indicated, the primary function of the centripetal impeller 9 is to pump fluid from the outside of the cylinder 2 to opening 17. It works on the principle of slowing down the rotational speed of the fluid as it embraces the impeller 9. The fluid in a rotating cylinder 2 in the areas of baffles 14 & 15 has a high specific gravity due to centrifugal force. By slowing down the speed of the centripetal impeller 9 with the use of gears 10 and 12 the specific gravity of the fluid will reduce in the impeller 9. Consequently, the fluid moves to the centre of the impeller 9 and from there to the centrifugal impeller 8. The braking energy released, due to the slowing down process is transferred via gears 10 and 12, and 28 and 29 to drive shaft 3 to assist the continuating rotating of the cylinder 2 and shaft 7 driving centrifugal impeller 8. The energy released by the slowing down of the centripetal impeller is thus re-applied to the rotation of the cylinder 2 and therefore energy loss is minimized. The only losses in the vessel are therefore the heat created by friction of the fluid over the surfaces in the construction. Referring to the centrifugal impeller 8 as shown in Figures 1 and 2, it comprises a central column from which radial arms 19 extend to a cylindrical outer surface 21. Openings 22 are present in cylindrical surface 21 and direct fluid evenly across the discs 18. By this process the centrifugal impeller 8 will ■ j _g draw fluid from the centripetal impeller 9 and due to this action, prevents the. fluid creating any back pressure upon centripetal impeller 9. Further, in view of the changes in specific gravity which are induced by this system an expansion chamber 30 is included communicating with the centrifugal "L5 impeller. The fluid delivered by centrifugal impeller 8 is directed at right angles from axis A into the spaces between the discs 18. Whilst the shape and operation of discs 18 is illustrated in 20 Figures 4 to 6 it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the use of such discs in a closed system. The effect of the discs is equally applicable to open systems. The discs 18 are curved, and reference to Figures 4 and 5 show 25 the profiles of two suitable shaped discs 18. In each *case a restriction 23 is formed adjacent the opening. This restriction 23 can be formed by converging surfaces 24 and 25. Further the effect of the restriction 23 may be enhanced if the upper surface 24 is cut away to form surface 26 as more particularly shown in figure 5. The surface 26 promotes the formation of a vacuum along the upper surface 27 of the discs 18. The effect of the use of disc 18 is more particularly illustrated in Figure 6. By the use of curved discs 18 the fluid is directed over the lower surface 28 of the discs 18 and in Figure 6 is shown as "x" . The restriction 23 causes the fluid passing through it to accelerate and creates a low pressure or vacuum (in Figure 6 shown as " ") between the fluid and the upper surface 27 of the discs 18. As the fluid attempts to compress, its specific gravity changes increasing the frictional contact between the fluid and the lower surface 28 of the discs 18. Consequently, the fluid is slowed down. The fluid issues from the perphery of the discs 18 and succeeding issuing streams combine (in Figure 6 shown as "....") to form a venturi in the area between the issuing streams and the perpheries of discs 18. This venturi causes a retarding suction upon the issuing steams which dramatically slows the speed of the issuing stream from its speed just before it leaves surface 28 of discs 18. This suction force acts along the upper surface 27 of discs 18 to reinforce the forward (or upward) thrust of the fluid reacting against lower surface 28. The following are calculations and measurements of thrust performance of a propulsion device of manufacture according to Figure 1. The discs 18 had an opening 17 of an area of 660 sq. inches. The restriction or choke had an opening 3/8" wide, representing an entrance area of 34.2 sq. inches. Accordingly, the centre area was approximately 19.3 times the choke area. A device used a combination of 7 discs each having restrictions of 3/8" and edge separations of 3/4" . Pressure fields formed on the lower surface 28 and a vacuum field on the upper surface 27 in the space or channel. The fluid speed was maintained as low as practicable to prevent disturbance of an even flow from the opening to the choke entrance and to fill the disc restriction with fluid. Increased thrust was measured in the axial direction. An attempt to quantify these calculations revealed a thrust of 202.8 Kg per Horse Power.

Claims: THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1. A propulsion device comprising: (a) an inlet for a source of fluid; (b) a plurality of aligned discs, each having an axial opening, a partially convex upper surface and a partially concave lower surface, the discs defining spaces therebetween, each of the spaces having a restriction adjacent the opening and an axial width at the periphery of each disc larger than the width of the restriction; and (c) means to deliver the fluid into the opening and through the restriction at a rate sufficient to fill the restriction. 2. A propulsion device according to claim 1 whenever the restriction is a projection upon the upper surface of the discs. 3. A propulsion device according to claim 1 wherein the restriction is an upstanding lip on the upper surface of the disc having a surface curving towards the opening and a trailing under cut or relief. 4. A propulsion device according to claim 1 wherein the means to deliver the fluid into the opening is an impeller or pump. 5. A propulsion device according to claim 1 wherein the upper surface of the discs adjacent the opening and restriction are disposed at 10 to 15 degrees to the horizontal and the upper and lower surfaces at the periphery of each disc are disposed at 80 to 85 degrees to the horizontal. 6. A propulsion device according to claim 1 wherein the opening has an area at least about twice the combination of the areas of each restriction. 7. A propulsion device according to claim 1 wherein the discs are pinned together by at least one set of pins passing through each of the discs. Q 8. A propulsion device according to claim 1 additionally including a housing which sealingly encloses the inlet, plurality of aligned discs and means to deliver the fluid. 9. A propulsion device according to claim 8 wherein the housing is mounted for rotation about an axis • 5 co-extensive with axial opening. 10. A propulsion device according to claim 9 additionally including drive means. 11. A propulsion device according to claim 9 wherein a centrifugal impeller is located axially in the opening. 12. A propulsion device according to claim 11 wherein a centripetal impeller is located axially in the opening upstream of the centrifugal impeller. 13. A propulsion device substantially as hereinbefore defined with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Inventors: SPIJKSTRA SJOERD, SPIJKSTRA, SJOERD
Applicants: SPIJKSTRA SJOERD, SPIJKSTRA, SJOERD
Application year: 1989
Main classification: F03G7
IPC codes: F03G7