Can the Podkletnov effect be explained by quantised inertia?

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new model based on quantised inertia to explain the Podkletnov effect, predicting small upward accelerations of test masses due to Unruh radiation and Casimir effects, aligning with some observed anomalies.

Contribution

It introduces a novel application of quantised inertia (MiHsC) to explain the Podkletnov weight loss anomaly, linking inertial mass changes to Unruh radiation effects.

Findings

MiHsC predicts a 0.03% upward acceleration matching observed weight loss.

The model accounts for effects of magnetic fields and disc rotation on weight loss.

Predictions include increased effects with larger disc radius, rotation rate, and latitude.

Abstract

The Podkletnov effect is an unexplained loss of weight of between 0.05% and 0.07% detected in test masses suspended above supercooled levitating superconducting discs exposed to AC magnetic fields. A larger weight loss of up to 0.5% was seen over a disc spun at 5000 rpm. The effect has so far been observed in only one laboratory. Here, a new model for inertia that assumes that inertial mass is caused by Unruh radiation which is subject to a Hubble-scale Casimir effect (called MiHsC or quantised inertia) is applied to this anomaly. When the disc is exposed to the AC magnetic field it vibrates (accelerates), and MiHsC then predicts that the inertial mass of the nearby test mass increases, so that to conserve momentum it must accelerate upwards against freefall by 0.0029 m/s^2 or 0.03% of g, about half of the weight loss observed. With disc rotation, MiHsC predicts an additional weight loss, but 28 times smaller than the rotational effect observed. MiHsC suggests that the effect should increase with disc radius and rotation rate, the AC magnetic field strength (as observed), and also with increasing latitude and for lighter discs.