DESIGN AND EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF AN ION ENGINE PROTOTYPE

Abstract

Ion propulsion, traditionally utilized to adjust satellite and space station trajectories, also demonstrates significant potential for aeronautical applications. This paper investigates the feasibility of an ionic motor designed to ionize ambient atmospheric air, eliminating the need for gases such as xenon or argon. The motor features a triangular geometry manufactured using 3D printing technology. Preliminary propulsion calculations are provided, focusing on determining the required voltage to achieve target airspeeds that yield sufficient thrust. These studies help to assemble a model that can propel its weight without using fossil fuel, opening up the possibility of giving up kerosene in the future by bringing new forms of propulsion structures simpler and more economical, introducing new possibilities!