Plasma-powered flying saucer
Pass a current or magnetic field through a conducting fluid and it will generate a force. Numerous aerospace engineers have tried and failed to exploit this phenomenon, known as magnetohydrodynamics, as an exotic form of propulsion for aircraft. But perhaps attempts so far have all been too big.
A very small design could have a better chance of taking off, says Subrata Roy, an aerospace engineer at the University of Florida, Gainesville, US.
With a span of less than 15 centimetres, his aircraft qualifies as a micro air vehicle (MAV), but it has an unconventional design to say the least. It is a saucer shape covered with electrodes that ionise air to create a plasma. This plasma is then accelerated by an electric field to push air around and generate lift.
Roy says the machine can be filled with helium to reduce its weight, and is efficient enough to be powered by onboard batteries. Its ability to hover and generate lift electronically means that it is particularly robust against gusts of wind that send other MAVs off course, says Roy.
All he needs to do now is build one and get it flying. Like other MAVs, the primary application would probably be surveillance, but a plasma flying saucer would make a great toy too.
Read the full wingless hovering micro-flyer patent application.
Its amazing to knoe about Plasma-powered flying saucer!!!Enjoyed this idea!
Posted by: Business Improvement Training | December 12, 2009 at 07:28 AM
Many countries facing problem because of electricity scarcity! This plasma light will reduce the power conception and thus increase the produtivity.
Posted by: Process Management Training | January 22, 2010 at 06:31 AM