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.

Outlines

00:00

🔌 Exploring Ionic Wind and Thruster Designs

This paragraph delves into the concept of ionic wind, which is generated by the movement of electrons through the air, creating a breeze. The narrator discusses an experiment where a flame is placed near a source of ionic wind, demonstrating the wind's presence without any visible movement. The idea of transforming a bladeless fan into an ionic thruster is introduced, inspired by a video game advertisement. The design process involves using a simple cable and tube setup to focus the flow of air, with the challenge of maintaining a high voltage without sparking. Various designs for the negative and positive electrodes are tested, including a spiky nickel strip and a smooth metal ring. The goal is to create a lightweight, efficient thruster, leading to the idea of using electroplating to add a thin layer of metal to a 3D printed part, making it conductive while reducing weight.

05:01

🚀 Testing the Ionic Thruster and Future Projects

The narrator tests the newly designed ionic thruster, demonstrating its ability to extinguish a candle flame from a significant distance. The success of the test leads to a discussion about potential applications, such as a low-cost Zeppelin using helium-filled balloons. The narrator admits the risks involved in handling high voltage and helium, advising against attempting similar experiments at home. The video also includes a promotion for the game 'Raid: Shadow Legends' and a giveaway for a 3D printer to a viewer who suggests a theme for a future video. The narrator concludes by expressing pride in the successful design of the ionic thruster and hints at future projects involving flight, such as building an airplane or a Zeppelin.

Keywords

💡Ionic Wind

Ionic wind is a flow of air generated by an electrical discharge. It occurs when electrons are accelerated from one point to another, colliding with air molecules and propelling them in a specific direction. In the video, the creator demonstrates ionic wind by producing a blue electrical discharge that results in a wind-like effect without any moving parts, showcasing the potential of this phenomenon for creating a bladeless fan.

💡Electrical Discharge

Electrical discharge is the process where electrons move from one point to another, often across a gap or through a medium. In the context of the video, the discharge is used to create ionic wind by accelerating electrons that collide with air molecules. The script describes two types of discharges: corona discharge, which does not generate wind, and the one that does, which is crucial for the ionic wind generator.

💡High Voltage Transformer

A high voltage transformer is a device that can step up voltage from a lower input to a much higher output. In the video, the transformer is used to generate the high voltage necessary for the ionic wind generator. The script mentions that by applying only 5 volts to one end, thousands of volts are produced on the other, enabling the electrons to jump and create the ionic wind.

💡Corona Discharge

Corona discharge is a type of electrical discharge that occurs when the electric field strength is high enough to ionize the surrounding air, but not enough to cause a full electrical arc. In the video, the creator explains that while corona discharge is visually impressive, it does not generate the ionic wind needed for propulsion, unlike the other type of discharge demonstrated.

💡Electroplating

Electroplating is a process that involves coating an object with a thin layer of metal using an electric current. In the video, the creator discusses using electroplating to add a conductive copper layer to a 3D printed part, which is lighter than using a solid metal component. This technique is employed to reduce the weight of the ionic thruster while maintaining its functionality.

💡Nickel Strip

A nickel strip is a piece of metal that is bent and used in the video as part of the ionic wind generator's design. The script mentions that the nickel strip is used to create a spiky cylinder on the negative side of the generator, which is important for the generation of ionic wind due to its pointed shape.

💡CNC Machine

A CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine is a type of machine tool that is controlled by a computer, allowing for precise and automated cutting or shaping of materials. In the video, the creator uses a CNC machine to create additional modules for the ionic thruster, highlighting its ease of use and the precision it offers for the project.

💡Helium Balloons

Helium balloons are used in the video to demonstrate the concept of buoyancy and the potential for creating a low-cost Zeppelin. The script explains that helium, being lighter than air, can lift objects, and the creator attempts to use this principle to make a balloon float using a large helium-filled balloon.

💡Zeppelin

A Zeppelin is a type of rigid airship, historically used for long-distance travel. In the video, the creator humorously suggests building a low-cost Zeppelin using helium balloons, indicating the potential for lighter-than-air flight using simple materials and principles.

💡3D Printer

A 3D printer is a device that creates three-dimensional objects by adding material layer by layer, according to a digital model. In the video, the creator uses a 3D printer to fabricate lightweight parts for the ionic thruster, demonstrating the versatility and utility of 3D printing in prototyping and creating custom components.

💡Sulfuric Acid

Sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive chemical used in various industrial applications, including as a degreasing agent. In the video, the creator attempts to use sulfuric acid to remove epoxy resin from a transformer to reduce its weight. However, this results in damaging the transformer's circuitry, illustrating the risks associated with handling strong chemicals.

Highlights

Creation of an ionic wind using electrical discharge.

Exploration of stacking wires in tubes to create a fan.

Concept of turning a bladeless fan into an ionic thruster.

Designing a jet engine with focused air flow using a cable and tube.

Problem of high voltage transformers causing sparks due to sharp edges.

Innovative use of a nickel strip for the negative side design.

Requirement of a smooth, round surface on the positive side.

Combining both designs for improved air thrust.

Challenge of low thrust output and need for lightweight design.

Experiment with a plasma lighter as a lighter alternative to the transformer.

Use of sulfuric acid to remove epoxy from the transformer for weight reduction.

Introduction of electroplating to create a thin metal layer on non-metal parts.

3D printing and electroplating to create lightweight conductive parts.

Testing the assembled design with a lithium-ion battery and switch.

Demonstration of the ionic thruster extinguishing a candle from a distance.

Sponsorship mention of Raid: Shadow Legends and its game features.

Adding more modules to the design to increase thrust.

Use of a CNC machine for precision in creating additional modules.

Concept of building a low-cost Zeppelin using helium balloons.

Safety disclaimer and advice against replicating the helium balloon experiment at home.

Giveaway of a 3D printer to the most liked comment suggesting a future video theme.

Final thoughts on the project's success and a humorous note on the dislike of tomatoes.

Transcripts

wow not even a struggle

can you hear this you can right it's

like a buzzing sound and if I place this

flame over here you can see some kind of

windies being produced but nothing is

moving so what's going on if I lower the

lights you can see this blue water right

here this is an electrical discharge and

the wind is called ionic wind ionic wind

is created when you shoot electrons from

one place to the other the electrons

collide with the air molecules that are

projected in this direction if you take

this simple design and you stack a bunch

of wires in tubes you can actually get a

pretty decent fan that's what I did a

few videos ago but all of this kept me

thinking what if I try to turn this

bladeless fan into an ionic Thruster

this video was brought to you by raid

Shadow Legends if I want to turn this

into a jet engine I need to change the

design into something that is actually

able to focus the flow of air and a good

starting point it's a simple cable and

Tube the electrons push the air into the

tube and generate a flow of air inside

the tube this design is not bad it's

decent but there's a problem this is a

high voltage Transformer you can get

cheaply at Amazon links in the

description you can apply about 5 volts

to this end and you get thousands of

volts on the other end this causes the

electrons to jump from one side to the

other as you can see this discharge is

not the same as the other one that's

because the first one is called the

corona discharge and this kind is the

one that generates wind the other one

does not with the cable in tube I get a

lot of Sparks jumping when I increase

the voltage a little bit the edge of the

tube is too sharp and the distance

between the wires in the tube is hard to

control this is another design for the

negative ball I'm using a nickel strip

that I bent around the tube and glued

then I use the regular pair of scissors

to create some spikes and that's

important because on the negative side

you want a pointy thing on the positive

side you actually need the exact

opposite a very Roundy smooth surface

just like this metal ring because of the

round ring this design doesn't spark

with a higher voltage but also doesn't

put out as much air because it doesn't

have the tube to focus the air I think

the best solution is to combine both

designs a tube with round edges but wait

a second because I have another problem

this type of Thruster doesn't produce a

lot of thrust so I need to make it as

light as I can and the heaviest thing on

this setup is actually the Transformer

this Transformer has a lot of epoxy

resin to protect the circuit what makes

it heavy but there's a lighter

alternative like literally a lighter a

plasma lighter I disassembled the plasma

lighter and inside there's a high

voltage circuit and a cute battery this

is much lighter but unfortunately I

tested it and it doesn't really work

that well I think it doesn't Produce

High Voltage enough so I'm stuck with

this I even tried to use sulfuric acid

to remove the epoxy in hopes of getting

some of the weight out of the

Transformer the sulfuric acid did a

great job it obliterated all of the

epoxy in one day and it worked the

weight got down but also I think I

destroyed the circuit because it's no

longer working I can't complain about

the nickel strip spiky cylinder that's

very light but the curtain ring is solid

metal I think I can improve on that I I

found this process called electroplating

in which you can create a thin layer of

metal on top of almost anything like a

nut a band cap or even a disgusting

tomato this works by running an electric

current through copper sulfate which is

really easy to find since it's a

fertilizer you can connect the positive

to a piece of copper that you dip inside

the sulfate and the negative to your

part but here's the tricky bit the part

that you dip inside the sulfate needs to

have a conductive surface which a tomato

has not what you do is you use this

graphite spray Link in the description

to paint the Tomato graphite is

conductive enough and if you do

everything right you end up with a metal

tomato which is still disgusting here

are some Hot Tips make sure the current

never goes above one ampere and swirled

apart around during the entire process

now why am I talking about

electroplating well what if instead of

using a solid metal part I 3D print the

light resin part and then I use the

electroplating to add a thin layer of

copper around it to make it conductive

let's give it a try

[Music]

foreign

[Music]

foreign

[Music]

okey dokey so everything is assembled I

basically glued the entire design on top

of the Transformer and I connected

everything to a Lithium-Ion battery and

a switch so let's give it a test

look at that at least it's making noise

let's see if we can put out of the

candle

wow wow not even a struggle let's try to

put it farther away

okay I guess I'll put it even farther

away

oh this is new this is like 40

centimeters of distance that's insane

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to the video

this is working pretty well I'm actually

proud of myself

um but I need to put this on something

to make sure it has thrust and I think

I'm gonna start with a bow

okay time for the magic

oh it's going

it's going all right slowly but it's

deadly

nice

little thing surprised me it worked

pretty well but I still have a lot of

space here and here so I think I'm gonna

add two more modules to see if it goes

faster let's do that this time I used my

new CNC machine just because well I'm

lazy also this is so easy to use that

even I'm qualified it's called carvera

which sounds like someone from the US

trying to say Carver in Spanish and that

for some reason it's funny to me anyway

oh God this is barely floating

it's going I think it's going faster

this time

what do you think Katarina because I

think it was basically the same time

I was thinking now that I've created

this light design I could probably try

to make something that flies I think an

airplane is going to be a tall order

especially because I don't know how to

build them but what I could do is try to

build a low-cost Zeppelin

using alien balloons

helium gas is lighter than air so if you

fill up a regular balloon with it it

floats

a regular balloon of ilium can lift

about 6 grams so I need a bigger balloon

but don't worry I got one

I'm gonna try to turn on the switch

without shocking myself

and letting it go

there he goes

look at it

it's falling a little bit but it's

really hard to kind of maintain it at a

neutral buoyancy

let me just be very clear what I just

did is very very unsafe I don't

recommend you do this at home but if you

insist on doing it I'll put links in the

description down below for everything

you need you might have noticed that I

used a 3D printer for this project and

I'm aware not everyone has a 3D printer

at home that's the reason why I like to

give them away in my videos on the last

video I give away a 3D printer to the

most liked comment suggesting a theme

for a future video the winner was Elias

if you also want to win a 3D printer all

you have to do is subscribe to the

channel leave a like on this video and

post a comment suggesting a theme for a

future video the most like comment will

win a brand new 3D printer

um well this is everything for today

thank you so much for watching and

remember tomatoes are disgusting so yeah

oh my God

yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes

oh my God I have so much helium in my

lungs

oh my God I hate tomatoes so much I made

such a good design

good design