Ionized Air Propulsion: Is it Possible?

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    Air Propulsion
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SUMMARY

Ionized air propulsion is indeed possible, as discussed in the forum. The proposed mechanism involves using UV light to positively charge air, followed by another UV light source to negatively charge the air, creating thrust. The ionocraft is identified as the simplest form of ion propulsion. Calculating the potential thrust generated by this method can be performed using resources such as NASA's thrust equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ion propulsion systems
  • Familiarity with UV light and its effects on air molecules
  • Basic knowledge of thrust calculations
  • Awareness of the ionocraft design and functionality
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of ion propulsion systems
  • Study the effects of UV light on air ionization
  • Learn how to calculate thrust using NASA's thrust equation
  • Explore the design and operation of the ionocraft
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Aerospace engineers, physicists, and enthusiasts interested in propulsion technologies and ion propulsion systems.

conordee
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I was simply wondering if ionized air propulsion is possible? I don't know much about it but would it be possible to use UV light to positively charge a large amount of air, then another uv light source below a funnel to negatively charge the air creating air flow ( thrust). Can some one please enlighten me? thanks
 
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conordee, May I suggest that you answer your own question: "if ionized air propulsion is possible?" You've described a design which looks like it would, indeed, generate some (air flow) thrust. If so, then the answer would be "Yes."

The next question one might ask is "How much thrust could be generated by the above mechanism? You may do the math yourself and discover what you might be able to propel with ionized air. See:

http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/k-12/airplane/thrsteq.html

Cheers,
Bobbywhy
 
Why would UV light charge air positively or negatively?

The simplest ion propulsion system is the ionocraft.
 

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