Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have successfully flown an aircraft without any moving parts. And, no it’s not a glider. Because it creates its own propulsion through a device that’s best described as a ‘transient battery’. Scientists have known about electro hydrodynamics for a while. You may have come across it as a static demonstration at a science fair.
How Does Electro Hydrodynamics Work?
Electro hydrodynamics is a big topic, and we are only just beginning to understand how the ‘transient battery’ works. In simple terms, an ionocraft lifter comprises a corona wire (‘electrode one’), an air gap (‘the electrolyte’) and a foil skirt (‘electrode two’).
A very high voltage supply feeds the system via the corona wire (although the electrodes can alternate roles without changing the direction of motion). “The electric field created between these throws the ions from the smaller electrode over to larger one, the MIT explains.
“These ions collide with normal air molecules while traveling, creating the ionic wind and pushing the plane forward.” Since the ions are moving between two stationary electrodes, no moving parts are required to power the plane.”
Now See This Happen in Practice
What’s Different About This Particular Application?
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology generated a sufficient forward push to propel the vehicle for two hundred feet. While it is true the experimental ionocraft only weighs 5.4 pounds, this is a significant step forward.
This is because electro hydrodynamic science has had its ups and downs since Francis Hauksbee the Elder described it in 1709. Later, Major Alexander Prokofieff de Seversky contributed much to its basic physics in 1960. Then one Thomas Townsend tried to take it further by developing an anti-gravity device using electro hydrodynamics, but failed.
Finally, Steven Barrett, MIT professor of aeronautics and astronautics picked up the ball in 2009. Science fiction ideas of planes and spacecraft inspired me, he explains. “I thought about what physics could allow that.”
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Preview Image: Ionic Wind as Ions Move Between Electrodes
Video Share Link (Courtesy BBC): https://youtu.be/M28ggk4FGmU
1 Comment
The first ion propelled aircraft with onboard power is called the Self Contained Ion Powered Aircraft. There are 9 public flight videos of it online, a US patent for carrying the power supply, and a website with very clear information. It is so well verified to work, that it is very odd indeed that Dr. Barrett unfortunately seems to have overlooked it.