Another gravity wheel?

[Fletcher]

So the consensus is that a object following a spiral vortex will gain velocity, momentum, as compared to a free falling object of the same height.

Only if it's a liquid (including air) vis a vis a venturi & it still needs a force behind it to push it. JMO.

[Jon J Hutton]

Just an interesting track test I did with wm2d on this subject.

[Mac]

Not sure how helpful this might be with your calculations, but here's some animations showing KE PE and Time (changes as the animation runs) on various downhill examples:

Roller coaster:
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/mmedia/energy/ce.html

Sled:
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/mmedia/energy/hh.html

Skiing:
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/mmedia/energy/se.html

There's also other stuff in the links on the left of the page.

Mac

[jimmyjj]

double post

[jimmyjj]

with regards to the perpetual motion toy what would the effect be if the spiral track was mobile and acted in effect like a pendulum. Attached is a simplified version of a spiral track. It would need to be limited in its swing and energy could be generated as it swings and comes to a stop (eg via spring compression. The length of the track and angle of incline and swing angle as well as the weight of the roller ans spiral frame would all be factors to consider. The weight would be circling the COG- much like a spiral galaxy (squashed.) I am working on a design similar to "uncle's toy" - the difference being that the spiral track is mobile. The attached picture is very raw and only meant to show the idea - the track would need to be more circular and evenly graded in terms of incline. Just a raw idea at the moment!