Apparent Asymmetries in Electromagnetic Interaction: A “Virtual Wire” Model for Reactionless Propulsion and Preliminary Experimental Observations

This paper explores the apparent asymmetries in electromagnetic forces that may arise within finite-sized, non-closed, or transient current-carrying systems under specific configurations, which appear counter-intuitive from a classical mechanics perspective. Based on a systematic analysis of these phenomena, particularly the third form of "carrier asymmetry," we propose an innovative reactionless propulsion concept utilizing open-circuit coils. To resolve the fundamental momentum conservation challenge of this concept self-consistently within classical electrodynamics, we construct an original theoretical model—the “Virtual Wire.” This model conceptually closes the physical open-circuit coil into a virtual loop by introducing an ideal massless wire segment. It thereby clearly links the apparent net thrust acquired by the device to the directed radiative momentum flux of the electromagnetic field resulting from the structural discontinuity. To investigate the physical implications of this theoretical model, we designed and implemented two experimental setups for preliminary observation. The second setup employs a center-fed, open-ended toroidal drive coil and a C-shaped working coil wound with 12,000 turns of fine wire, each turn having a 70° opening. Driven at a frequency of 100 MHz with an effective current of approximately 0.3 A, the experiment observed repeatable displacement indications consistent with the model's prediction, corresponding to an estimated net thrust on the order of \(\:{10}^{-4}\)N. Error analysis and statistical tests indicate that this observed effect is not purely random. From phenomenological analysis and model construction to preliminary experimental exploration, this work aims to provide a self-consistent theoretical perspective and motivating experimental reference for exploring novel propulsion mechanisms within the classical theoretical framework.