NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Apparatus and Method for Generating Thrust Using a Two Dimensional, Asymmetrical Capacitor ModuleA capacitor module system is provided for creating a thrust force. The system includes a capacitor module provided with a first conductive element having a cylindrical geometry. The first conductive element can be a hollow cylinder or a solid cylinder. The capacitor module also includes a second conductive element axially spaced from the first conductive element and of smaller axial extent. The second conductive element can be a flat disk, a dome, or a conductive tip at the end of a dielectric rod. A dielectric element is disposed between the first conductive element and the second conductive element. The system also includes a high voltage source having first and second terminals connected respectively to the first and second conductive elements. The high voltage source applies a high voltage to the conductive elements of sufficient value to create a thrust force on the module inducing movement thereof.
Document ID
20010125606
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Other - Patent
External Source(s)
MFS-31419-1
Authors
Jonathan W Campbell
(Marshall Space Flight Center Redstone Arsenal, United States)
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
November 13, 2001
Publication Information
Publisher: United States Patent and Trademark Office
Subject Category
Mechanical Engineering
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
Patent
US-Patent-6,317,310
Patent Application
US-Patent-Appl-SN-520817
No Preview Available