I built an IONIC PLASMA THRUSTER (Best Design)

Summary

In this video, the creator experiments with ionic wind, generated by electrical discharge, to develop a bladeless fan and potentially a jet engine. Through various designs and materials, including electroplating and 3D printing, the project evolves into a light, efficient thruster. The video also features a humorous attempt at creating a low-cost Zeppelin with helium balloons, emphasizing the fun and educational nature of the experiment.

Takeaways

• 😲 The video demonstrates the creation of an ionic wind using electrical discharge.
• 🔌 A simple design with stacked wires in tubes can generate a decent fan, as shown in a previous video.
• 🚀 To transform the fan into a jet engine, the design needs to focus the flow of air, starting with a cable and tube.
• 💡 The video explores different designs for generating ionic wind, including a nickel strip and a round metal ring.
• ⚡ High voltage transformers are used to create the electrical discharge necessary for ionic wind, with caution needed due to their power.
• 🔧 The design is refined by combining a tube with round edges to improve air flow and reduce sparking.
• 🔋 A lighter alternative to the heavy transformer is explored using a plasma lighter, but it doesn't work as well.
• 🛠 Electroplating is introduced as a method to create a thin layer of metal on lightweight parts, making them conductive.
• 🚀 The final design is tested with a lithium-ion battery, showing significant progress in generating thrust.
• 🎈 An attempt is made to create a low-cost zeppelin using helium-filled balloons, highlighting the challenges of buoyancy.

Q & A

What is the phenomenon described at the beginning of the video?

The phenomenon described is the creation of an ionic wind, which is produced when electrons collide with air molecules, causing them to be projected in a certain direction.

How does the simple design of a fan using ionic wind work?

The fan design involves stacking wires in tubes, which when electrified, can generate a flow of air due to the ionic wind effect.

What is the main challenge in turning the ionic fan into a jet engine?

The main challenge is focusing the flow of air effectively, which requires a design that can direct the ionic wind in a concentrated manner.

Why is a high voltage transformer used in the experiment?

A high voltage transformer is used to step up the voltage from a low input (about 5 volts) to a high output (thousands of volts), which is necessary to create the electrical discharge for generating ionic wind.

What is the difference between corona discharge and the discharge that generates wind?

Corona discharge is a type of electrical discharge that does not generate wind, whereas the discharge that generates wind is an ionic wind caused by the movement of electrons colliding with air molecules.

What design improvements were made to the negative ball in the experiment?

The negative ball was improved by using a nickel strip bent around the tube and creating spikes with scissors. This design helps to focus the ionic wind more effectively.

Why is a round, smooth surface needed on the positive side of the ionic thruster?

A round, smooth surface on the positive side helps to prevent sparking and allows for a more controlled and focused flow of ionic wind.

What is the significance of combining both designs in the ionic thruster?

Combining both designs (a tube with round edges and a negative ball with spikes) aims to create a more effective ionic thruster by focusing the air flow and maximizing the ionic wind generation.

Why is the weight of the transformer a concern in the ionic thruster design?

The weight of the transformer is a concern because it affects the overall efficiency and performance of the ionic thruster. A lighter design is preferable for better thrust.

What is electroplating and how is it used in the project?

Electroplating is a process that deposits a thin layer of metal onto a conductive surface. In the project, it is used to make a light resin part conductive by adding a thin layer of copper, which helps in creating a more lightweight and efficient ionic thruster.