Vis viva vs. vis mortua...

[iacob alex]

...that so old debate in physics regarding movement,energy  and power can help us to understand and imagine a possible self moving device in the gravity!

Vis mortua is seen as a force doing no active work,but only producing pressure.

Vis viva is seen as a force of a moving body/kinetic energy/,so,doing work.

A mechanical clock,can be a prime starting point to understand and serve as an example for a gravity powered device ,in a vis mortua style.

The four key elements of a mechanical clock,powered by gravity,are the power,the escapement,the going train and the indicators.

We are interested,for this moment ,about power and escapement,only

The power is supplied by a falling weight.

The escapement is a periodic repetitive action,that allows the power to escape in small bursts rather than drain away all at once.

So,we can consider that ,a mechanical clock,is supplied by a fragmentary,repetitive,very very slow fall of a mass,a kind of pressure in the line of vis mortua consideration.

The escapement,in mechanics is a device that permits controlled motion/usually in steps/ and the transfer of energy from the power source to the load.

The escapement solution is very interesting and useful,practical for that we intend to imagine...a device ,suggested by the mechanical clock,that gives us free power from the gravity flow.

The gravity flow concept,involves to apply to that so old reflections regarding vis viva vs. vis mortua/fresh water,flow vs foul,clogged,obstructed water,flow,flux,in a common inviting language.

To induce a suitable state for vis viva ,so to get a satisfying velocity/kinetic energy for the driver partner,in my opinion,we must imagine and test someting bigger than that of Bessler...as Aldo Costa,maybe.Take this as an opinion...

Vis mortua is as a suspended,interrupted process of movement.

Vis viva is as a continuous,accelerating process of movement.

If we have this natural source of movement,gravity flow...can we use it in a vis viva style...maybe...

          All the Bests!  /  Alex