"The Power In These Flywheels Scares The Pants Off Me" | Savage Builds
Discovery Australia・7 minutes read
Adam Steltzner developed the Panjandrum concept to use flywheels instead of rockets for propulsion, aiming to eliminate instability during transportation. A spin test of the flywheels showed vibration issues at 350 rpm, prompting the team to address concerns before moving forward with the project.
Insights
- The Panjandrum concept, developed by Adam Steltzner, proposes using flywheels instead of rockets for propulsion, aiming to enhance stability and efficiency in space missions.
- The team behind the Panjandrum project is actively engaging in iterative testing and design adjustments based on results, prioritizing safety and functionality to overcome challenges and optimize the concept for future implementation.
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Recent questions
Who worked on the Curiosity rover landing on Mars?
Adam Steltzner
What is the Panjandrum concept?
A propulsion system using flywheels instead of rockets
How does the new Panjandrum design work?
Steel flywheels on a truck axle powered by centrifugal force
What issues were revealed during the spin test of the flywheels?
Vibration and lower than expected top speed
What are the team's plans following the spin test results?
Adjust the design based on test results for safety
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Summary
00:00
Innovative Panjandrum: Flywheel Propulsion for Space
- Adam Steltzner, lead engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, worked on the Curiosity rover landing on Mars, utilizing a unique sky crane maneuver for landing.
- The Panjandrum concept, inspired by Adam, aims to replace rockets with flywheels for propulsion, eliminating instability caused by rocket firing variations.
- The new Panjandrum design involves using steel flywheels on a truck axle, powered by centrifugal force instead of rockets, with a target speed of a thousand rpm.
- A spin test of the flywheels, reaching only 350 rpm, revealed potential issues like vibration, indicating a need to address lower top speed concerns.
- Despite challenges, the team plans to adjust the design based on the test results, ensuring safety and functionality before proceeding with the Panjandrum project.
