Biefeld-Brown levitation effect or ionolet

In physics, there is the Biefeld-Brown effect. This is the phenomenon of creating an ionic wind between two horizontal conductors connected to a high voltage of tens of kilovolts. In the process of ion flow from one conductor to another, air molecules are also carried away and a small jet thrust is created under the installation. But there is another explanation for this effect, but more on that below.

There are many examples of this kind and homemade products on the Internet.

The ion wind effect was noticed in 1921. physicist Townsend Brown and his assistant Paul Biefeld. It was found that Coolidge's X-ray tube lost weight when energized. Like many scientists of the time who loved to patent everything new, Brown was no exception. 1934 to 1965 based on this phenomenon, he was patented seven theoretical designs (electrostatic motors and electrokinetic devices).

About 20 years ago I read that Brown designed flying capacitors in the form of flying saucers:

There is no information to what results these experiments led. It is unlikely that the lift thrust values ​​were interesting for the aircraft industry.

In the 1960s, Brown's ideas were taken up by an American aircraft designer with Russian roots, Alexander Prokofiev-Seversky:

He also tested prototypes and these light flying platforms seemed promising. There were futuristic pictures of flying vehicles based on this principle. Our futurologists did not lag behind these ideas:

And in our time, inquiring minds do not leave the idea of ​​electroantigravity. Therefore, ideas were put forward that such a principle could be used by vehicles of the future or those that we take for UFOs. Or there have been secret developments of closed projects for a long time and some circles close to the military use electricity for flights.

The point is that the ion plane will not fly in airless space. For movement, he needs a gas environment. But even in the air, the lift is extremely small. The ionolet experience is well illustrated in this video:

For example, I did not know that the polarity of the voltage connection to the ion-plane conductors does not matter. Which is strange at first glance, because we are accustomed to the fact that ions move from one electrode to another. The key is that a corona discharge and an ionized medium is created between and around the electrodes (the sign of gas ionization will depend on the polarity applied to the conductors). And one electrode will always be attracted to the ion cloud, and the other will repel.

Those. the ionic wind will be present, but the main lifting force is in the electrostatic attraction and repulsion of the electrodes and the ionic medium. Perhaps, if the degree of gas ionization is increased, the lift will increase. In the meantime, such an ion-plane weighing 2 grams lifts only its own weight:

The ionolet is tied to the table with threads. And if there is no wire, it would continue its upward movement. The only question is in an autonomous high voltage source of 20-40 kV.

In 2018. specialists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology built a prototype airframe with an autonomous power source:

Glider wingspan - 5 m. Weight - 2.26 kg. Glider flew 60 m (gym length). The experience was repeated 10 times.

Anyone can make an ionolet with his own hands from scrap materials. You will need thin wooden sticks. For example, veneer fibers from plywood. They will need to be stapled into a triangular frame. In the corners, the rods should be higher than the frame:

We wrap the frame with food foil and stretch a thin copper wire in the upper part around the perimeter. It is better if the weight of the ion aircraft is a couple of grams. You will need a high voltage source for at least 20 kV. For experience, such a high-voltage module is sufficient:

You can power it up for a while from high-capacity 18650 batteries.

Where can this simple ion engine be applied? Due to its low thrust - only in toy models, for example, on a boat model:

High speeds cannot be developed. Or you can surprise your friends or acquaintances by showing them the ion-plane and informing them that they have constructed a prototype of a flying saucer. Not everyone is familiar with physics and it will surprise many.

So far, this is just an excellent demonstration of physics for the younger generation, the popularization of science in experiments. For some of the teenagers it will be interesting. At least for those who have a technical mindset since childhood. Remembering yourself at that age, you ask the question: then there would be all these opportunities with the information of the Internet, the acquisition of everything that is needed on aliexpress. Although, even without this, there is something to remember.

And what experiments did you perform in childhood or what were your hobbies - write in the comments.

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