Can Electrical Discharge Be Used for Efficient Propulsion in Space?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of using rapid high voltage electrical discharges for propulsion in space. It concludes that while the concept resembles ion drives, the energy required to produce a bolt of lightning is excessively high, rendering it inefficient for thrust generation. Ion thrusters, which are a form of electrically powered spacecraft propulsion, produce minimal thrust and are only effective in the vacuum of space over extended periods. Therefore, the proposed method of using electrical discharges for propulsion is not practical.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ion propulsion systems
  • Knowledge of electrical discharge phenomena
  • Familiarity with spacecraft propulsion technologies
  • Basic principles of energy efficiency in propulsion
NEXT STEPS
  • Research ion thrusters and their operational principles
  • Explore the efficiency metrics of electrically powered spacecraft propulsion
  • Investigate alternative propulsion methods for space travel
  • Study the physics of electrical discharges and their applications in propulsion
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, propulsion system designers, and researchers interested in advanced space travel technologies will benefit from this discussion.

Kalrag
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Lately I have had an idea for a propulsion system. It would use rapid high voltage electrical discharges to create thrust. Now if it was strong enough and made correctly could this be an efficient form of thrust? Would it work?
 
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You want to shoot lightning out of the back of a vehicle in an attempt to produce thrust?

Efficient in this sense means getting as much movement per unit of energy as possible. The amount of energy required to produce a bolt of lightning is 'a tad high' and would produce no motion of the vehicle - extremely inefficient.

What you are discussing is something along the lines of an ion drive: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ion_thruster

These produce very little in the way of thrust.

Other forms: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrically_powered_ spacecraft _propulsion

Note they are all only useful in space and then only for prolonged periods.
 
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