Ionic thruster methods and apparatus for aircraft
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsDejan Nikic, Sean Keith Cossano
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Abstract
Ionic thruster methods and apparatus for aircraft are disclosed. An example ionic thruster for aircraft includes a nozzle. The nozzle includes an outlet and an inlet, the inlet to receive fluid and containing an electrode mount. A ground electrode is disposed within the nozzle. Conducting pins are coupled to the electrode mount, each of the pins having a first end coupled to the electrode mount and a second end positioned closer to the ground electrode than the first end, the pins spaced apart from the ground electrode.
Claims20
A thruster for aircraft comprising:
- a nozzle including an outlet and an inlet, the inlet to receive fluid and containing an electrode mount;
- a ground electrode disposed within the nozzle;
- and
- conducting pins coupled to the electrode mount, each of the pins having a first end coupled to the electrode mount and a second end positioned closer to the ground electrode than the first end, the pins spaced apart from the ground electrode.
An aircraft comprising:
- a voltage source;
- and
- a thruster including:
- a body including an outlet and an inlet, the body to receive fluid and containing an electrode mount;
- a ground electrode disposed within the body and electrically coupled to the voltage source;
- and
- conducting pins coupled to the electrode mount and electrically coupled to the voltage source, each of the pins having a first end coupled to the electrode mount and a second end positioned closer to the ground electrode than the first end.
A method for generating thrust on an aircraft, the method comprising:
- providing a voltage to a thruster, the thruster including:
- a nozzle including an outlet and an inlet, the inlet to receive air;
- an electrode mount disposed within the inlet;
- a ground electrode disposed within the nozzle;
- and
- conducting pins coupled to the electrode mount, each of the pins having a first end coupled to the electrode mount and a second end positioned closer to the ground electrode than the first end, the pins spaced apart from the ground electrode;
- generating a corona discharge with the voltage, the corona discharge to extend between the conducting pins and the ground electrode;
- and
- inducing an ionic wind with the corona discharge, the ionic wind to generate the thrust.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.