Flight, without moving parts

THP115

As a tenth grader with electronics on the mind, ionocraft is probably one of the most interesting topics I have run across(besides the Casimir effect; that, I believe, is quantum physics). But, what I am truly interested in is whether or not it is possible, with the use of technologies such as microchannel plates or electron multipliers, to produce a viable ionocraft that could actually have a practicle use. Do you think this is possible? Give your opinion(of course, with some reasoning).

Bobbywhy

THP115, Welcome to Physics Forums!

Have you checked this out? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ion_thruster

There you can find many types of practical uses of ion thrusters being used now. If, after you've seen all this, you still have some questions or doubts, then come right back here and ask away!

Cheers,
Bobbywhy

Graniar

For different conditions, different engines are best suited.

Ion thruster is good, when there is a mass deficit, having a lot of energy, and big acceleration is not necessary. For example, in the space, at least after getting to an orbit, powering with solar panels or nuclear reactor.

Commonly used in the earth atmosphere Turbojet is the child of the Ramjet, which has no Turbine at all, but need initial speed to operate:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramjet

Ryuk1990

Are ion thrusters mostly worked on by electrical engineers or mechanical engineers?

THP115

It appears as though the ion thruster maybe an answer so far. Would it be possible to use the Casimir Effect as an effective way to power the ion thruster?

Bobbywhy

THP115, Yes, there seem to be some theoretical possibilities, but nothing that actually functions...yet. Here are three references:

"silicon array propulsion for space drives"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casimir_effect

"Mustafa invented a way of tapping this quantum effect via what's known as the dynamic Casimir effect. This uses a "moving mirror" cavity, where two very reflective very flat plates are held close together, and then moved slightly to interact with the quantum particle sea. It's horribly technical, but the end result is that Mustafa's use of shaped silicon plates similar to those used in solar power cells results in a net force being delivered. A force, of course, means a push or a pull and in space this equates to a drive or engine."
http://www.fastcompany.com/1837966/m...sics-invention

Here’s a patent application: “Method and Device to Generate a Transverse Casimir Force for Propulsion, Guidance and Maneuvering of a Space Vehicle”
http://www.faqs.org/patents/app/20080296437

jim hardy

Several years ago I read about an ion thruster engine being built i think at U of Illinois, but am unable to find it again.

This page might lead someplace, though i don't know enough about the machines. So take it with a grain of salt.

http://www.ess.washington.edu/Space/propulsion.html


have fun - I hope you get one working !

etudiant

I do remember a demonstrator vehicle that accelerated air that had been ionized to provide lift.
The thing looked somewhat like a flying inner spring mattress, sans the upholstering.
Power requirements were big, it may have gotten it from an attached cable, but the basic concept is certainly workable. Whether practical is another matter.

THP115

The high power helicon looks pretty interesting; i wonder if it could be reworked to use primarily electricity.

Bobbywhy

Reworked to use primarily use electricity? If you read about how it functions you will find it needs electricity plus some "fuel", like argon gas in this case, also to function.

“Power is required only for the maintenance of plasma and the creation of the magnetic field. In our current bench top prototype, 250W is sufficient to create several milli-Newtons of thrust. In space the solenoids that generate the 250 Gauss of magnetic field this requires we estimate could be cooled to 200K, reducing the resistance in the coils by a factor of 5 and representing a power consumption of a few 10s of Watts. Relative to other existing systems this constitutes quite a power saving and is well with-in the capabilities of solar panels. The 0.5sccm of feed gas represents a mass consumption of 160 mg/hr, so that a typical 5 hour burn would use 0.8g of propellant.”
http://physics.anu.edu.au/prl/sp3/hd...es_it_work.php