- #1
Joza
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So I came across these devices called lifters. Basically, when a huge voltage is applied between an uninsulated wire and a a cathode (tin foil, in these lifters), thrust is generated and the device flies.
The idea is that the air becomes ionised at the anode and these ions accelerate towards the cathode. They push the anode away from them, which results in an upwards force.
The net upwards force is greater than the downward force because the ions smash into neutral air molecules while moving to the cathode, so their total momentum after colliding is less (the neutral air molecules have some of this momentum, and do not collide with cathode), and so less of a force is applied downwards. Thus, a net upwards force results, and lift occurs.This device, therefore, should not fly in a vacuum. However, I have heard conflicting reports.
I have heard that some experiments have shown a that they do work in vacuums, while others have not. I will post sources when I find them again.
Has anybody any ideas on this? (If this is in the wrong forum, move it lease, I do not mind!)
The idea is that the air becomes ionised at the anode and these ions accelerate towards the cathode. They push the anode away from them, which results in an upwards force.
The net upwards force is greater than the downward force because the ions smash into neutral air molecules while moving to the cathode, so their total momentum after colliding is less (the neutral air molecules have some of this momentum, and do not collide with cathode), and so less of a force is applied downwards. Thus, a net upwards force results, and lift occurs.This device, therefore, should not fly in a vacuum. However, I have heard conflicting reports.
I have heard that some experiments have shown a that they do work in vacuums, while others have not. I will post sources when I find them again.
Has anybody any ideas on this? (If this is in the wrong forum, move it lease, I do not mind!)