On Aug 1, 2014, at 12:01 PM, Jeffrey Schwartz <xxxxxx@gmail.com> wrote:

> Dunno, read that more as
>
> "Fully configured Corvette engine produced thrust.  Engine that we
> built w/o exhaust manifold, air cleaner, water pump also produced
> thrust”
>

Sadly the article provides no such detail. However they DID state that the null test device was specifically made to NOT produce thrust. Strictly speaking the above articles are not required to run an internal combustion engine. Hence my spark plug analogy.

> Remember the only difference on the expected non-functional was the
> shape of the interior of the cavity - there could have still been some
> effect.

Not correct. The only statement regarding the structure of the 'test article' was this:

"Specifically, one test article contained internal physical modifications that were designed to produce thrust, while the other did not (with the latter being referred to as the "null" test article). “

This is so nonspecific as to leave it entirely open to speculation.

>
> The line I did _not_ see was if the effect was the same for both
>
> All that said, I do kinda wonder if running current through the thing
> produced enough magnetism to faintly attract it to the walls of the
> stainless steel test chamber…

Depends on the kind of stainless steel <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stainless_steel#Electricity_and_magnetism>

--
Bruce Johnson
University of Arizona
College of Pharmacy
Information Technology Group

Institutions do not have opinions, merely customs