The Woodward Transient Mass Effect as a Consequence of G4v Machian Gravitation

We derive the Woodward transient mass effect from Carver Mead’s G4v Machian gravitation
through two distinct channels with different suppression characteristics. The scalar channel produces mass fluctuations δm∝¨ρE via the Abraham equation. Under the Mach ansatz ρE = ρ0ϕ, the field equation can be solved for the transient source rather than the field perturbation, yielding a coefficient proportional to 1/(Gρ0c^2) rather than χ=ℓP^2. The Mach normalization λ= ϕ0/c0^2 ≈0.72 ensures an order-unity result. Electromagnetic energy enters the gravitational source ρE via Mead’s Eq. 3.10, with precedent in G4v’s treatment of the London moment. The vector channel provides thrust via Mead’s momentum coupling ⃗p= m⃗v(1 + λ). This equation contains G/c^2, not χ; the ℏ in the wave vector cancels with χ= ℏG/c3. Summing over cosmic matter yields λ ≈0.72 directly—an order-unity result that is Mach’s principle. The vector channel couples to the cosmic matter distribution (the Machian inertial frame), not a device-sourced perturbation, and is therefore immune to Planck suppression. The effect is fundamentally transient: the mass fluctuation δm(t) tracks P(t). Net thrust arises through mechanical rectification—in MEGA devices, asymmetric masses ensure the oscillating mass fluctuation produces net force. The framework applies to both MEGA (mechanical rectification) and MLT (electromagnetic rectification) devices.