Alexandre A. Martins

Simulation of a wire-cylinder-plate positive corona discharge in nitrogen gas at atmospheric pressure

In this work, we are going to perform a simulation of a wire-cylinder-plate positive corona discharge in nitrogen gas, and compare our results with already published experimental results in air for the same structure. We have chosen to simulate this innovative geometry because it has been established experimentally that it can generate a thrust per unit electrode length transmitted to the gas of up to 0.35 N/m and is also able to induce an ion wind top velocity in the range of 8–9 m/s in air. In our model, the used ion source is a small diameter wire, which generates a positive corona discharge in nitrogen gas directed to the ground electrode, after which the generated positive ions are further accelerated in the acceleration channel between the ground and cathode. By applying the fluid dynamic and electrostatic theories, all hydrodynamic and electrostatic forces that act on the considered geometries will be computed in an attempt to theoretically confirm the generated ion wind profile and also the thrust...

On the Electromagnetic Origin of Inertia and Inertial Mass

We address the problem of inertial property of matter through analysis of the motion of an extended charged particle. Our approach is based on the continuity equation for momentum (Newton’s second law) taking due account of the vector potential and its convective derivative. We obtain a development in terms of retarded potentials allowing an intuitive physical interpretation of its main terms. The inertial property of matter is then discussed in terms of a kind of induction law related to the extended charged particle’s own vector potential. Moreover, it is obtained a force term that represents a drag force acting on the charged particle when in motion relatively to its own vector potential field lines. The time rate of variation of the particle’s vector potential leads to the acceleration inertia reaction force, equivalent to the Schott term responsible for the source of the radiation field. We also show that the velocity dependent term of the particle’s vector potential is connected with the relativistic increase of mass with velocity and generates a longitudinal stress force that is the source of electric field lines deformation. In the framework of classical electrodynamics, we have shown that the electron mass has possibly a complete electromagnetic origin and the obtained covariant equation solves the “4/3 mass paradox” for a spherical charge distribution.

Electrical and kinetic model of an atmospheric rf device for plasma aerodynamics applications

The asymmetrically mounted flat plasma actuator is investigated using a self-consistent two-dimensional fluid model at atmospheric pressure. The computational model assumes the drift-diffusion approximation and uses a simple plasma kinetic model. It investigated the electrical and kinetic properties of the plasma, calculated the charged species concentrations, surface charge density, electrohydrodynamic forces, and gas speed. The present computational model contributes to understand the main physical mechanisms, and suggests ways to improve its performance.

On the influence that the ground electrode diameter has in the propulsion efficiency of an asymmetric capacitor in nitrogen gas

In this work, the propulsion force developed in an asymmetric capacitor will be calculated for three different diameters of the ground electrode. The used ion source is a small diameter wire, which generates a positive corona discharge in nitrogen gas directed to the ground electrode. By applying the fluid dynamic and electrostatic theories, all hydrodynamic and electrostatic forces that act on the considered geometries will be computed in an attempt to provide a physical insight on the force mechanism that acts on the asymmetrical capacitors, and also to understand how to increase the efficiency of propulsion.

The Connection between Inertial Forces and the Vector Potential

The inertia property of matter is discussed in terms of a type of induction law related to the extended charged particle’s own vector potential. Our approach is based on the Lagrangian formalism of canonical momentum writing Newton’s second law in terms of the vector potential and a development in terms of obtaining retarded potentials, that allow an intuitive physical interpretation of its main terms. This framework provides a clear physical insight on the physics of inertia. It is shown that the electron mass has a complete electromagnetic origin and the covariant equation obtained solves the “4/3 mass paradox”. This provides a deeper insight into the significance of the main terms of the equation of motion. In particular a force term is obtained from the approach based on the continuity equation for momentum that represents a drag force the charged particle feels when in motion relatively to its own vector potential field lines. Thus, the time derivative of the particle’s vector potential leads to the acceleration inertia reaction force and is equivalent to the Schott term responsible for the source of the radiation field. We also show that the velocity dependent term of the particle’s vector potential is connected with the relativistic increase of mass with velocity and generates a stress force that is the source of electric field lines deformation. This understanding broadens the possibility to manipulate inertial mass and potentially suggests some mechanisms for possible applications to electromagnetic propulsion and the development of advanced space propulsion physics.

Inertia, Electromagnetism and Fluid Dynamics

It is shown that the vector potential created by a charged particle in motion acts as an ideal space flow that surrounds the particle. The interaction between the particle and the entrained space flow gives rise to the observed properties of inertia and the relativistic increase of mass. Parallels are made between the inertia property of matter, electromagnetism and the hydrodynamic drag in potential flow. Accordingly, in this framework the non resistance of a particle in uniform motion through an ideal fluid (Paradox of Dirichlet) corresponds to Newtons first law. The law of inertia suggests that the physical vacuum can be modeled as an ideal fluid. It is shown that the force exerted on a particle by an ideal fluid produces two effects: i) resistance to acceleration and, ii) an increase of mass with velocity which is due to the fluid dragged by the particle, where the bare mass of the particle at rest changes when in motion (“dressed” particle). From this theoretical ground, the inertia property of matt...

Fluidic electrodynamics: Approach to electromagnetic propulsion

We report on a new methodological approach to electrodynamics based on a fluidic viewpoint. We develop a systematic approach establishing analogies between physical magnitudes and isomorphism (structure‐preserving mappings) between systems of equations. This methodological approach allows us to give a general expression for the hydromotive force, thus re‐obtaining the Navier‐Stokes equation departing from the appropriate electromotive force. From this ground we offer a fluidic approach to different kinds of issues with interest in propulsion, e.g., the force exerted by a charged particle on a body carrying current; the magnetic force between two parallel currents; the Magnus’s force. It is shown how the intermingle between the fluid vector fields and electromagnetic fields leads to new insights on their dynamics. The new concepts introduced in this work suggest possible applications to electromagnetic (EM) propulsion devices and the mastery of the principles of producing electric fields of required config...