Analysis of the Efficiency of the Electrohydrodynamic Propulsion Based on the Biefeld-Brown Effect for Manned and Unmanned Aircrafts

The phenomenon known as the Biefeld-Brown effect or ionic wind has been subject of study since its discovery with aim being applied to aircraft propulsion. Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) thrusters have developed in a thorough and detailed way 2000. Subsequently, some attempts made extend them electric-powered atmospheric aircrafts. This paper is framed this field by performing rigorous analysis energy efficiency, measured ratio thrust consumed, for both EHD systems conventional electric done using simple thruster configurations together accurate measurements current consumed under controlled environmental conditions. results are not only compared performance an propulsion motor-propeller set, but also consider future research, summarizing issues that arise scale them. Future designs low weight, high might allow technology be manned remotely piloted