First thrust measurements in ionic multi-propeller rotational engines

Rotary ionic engines (RIEs) with multi-coaxial contra-rotating propellers (12.6 cm diameter) and their axial thrust are investigated in laboratory conditions, air at atmospheric pressure, for the first time. The goal is to evaluate more advantageous configurations that may be scaled up further help development of rotary drones. designed regular pin-emitter electrodes placed coaxially inside a cylindrical collector electrode. When high voltage applied, spin generating conventional which measured an electronic scale “see-saw” setup. Up 40 mN was obtained single propeller RIE 2600 rpm, 0.34 mA, 37.5 kV, optimal electrode diameter 17 cm. More can two three constant current per but decreased efficiency. Varying propeller-separation showed propeller-interaction minimal above 5 Thrust-to-power thrust-to-current ratios were calculated compared. We experimentally confirm here time within certain limits, thrust-to-power variation assessed by kinetic energy-to-power ratio also impedance gap (voltage-to-current ratio). A comparison arrays performance one, two, coaxial same total number array (six) performed. provide larger densities than single-propeller arrays. Also, employing unit weight effective.