Asymmetries in electromagnetic interactions: A virtual-wire model for reactionless propulsion with preliminary experimental validation

Abstract

This study investigates asymmetries in electromagnetic forces within non-closed current systems. A systematic analysis of the "carrier asymmetry" phenomenon leads to a reactionless propulsion concept based on an open-circuit coil. To address momentum conservation within classical electrodynamics, we propose a "virtual-wire" model that transforms the physical open-circuit coil into a virtual closed loop by introducing an ideal, massless conductor segment. This formulation links the observed net thrust to the directed flux of electromagnetic field momentum arising from structural symmetry breaking. Two independent experimental setups were designed for preliminary observations. The primary setup uses a C-shaped working coil (12,000 turns, 70° opening) driven at 100 MHz (≈5 W, 0.3 A). Direction-reversal tests (opening oriented east, south, west, and north) and stationary controls reveal reproducible displacement opposite the opening direction, with an estimated net thrust on the order of 10⁻⁴ N. Tracker video analysis shows a buildup lag and decay tail on the order of seconds, consistent with a near-field momentum storage mechanism. Error analysis and statistical testing confirm the reliability of the observed effect. This work provides a self-consistent theoretical framework and experimental reference for exploring novel propulsion mechanisms within classical physics.