Title:
CHARGE SEPARATION MECHANISM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2016/180955
Kind Code:
A3
Abstract:
A method of producing a charge separation in a plasma having a low particle density which comprises a plurality of electrons and a plurality of positive ions. The method includes generating a magnetic field and passing the plasma having a low particle density along a first axis through the magnetic field. The magnetic field is generated having a component which is perpendicular to the first axis and is configured so as to deflect the plurality of electrons from the first axis and allow the plurality of positive ions to travel substantially undeflected along the first axis. Also provided is a magnetohydrodynamic generator and a low earth orbit thruster making use of the charge separation mechanism.
Inventors:
KNOLL AARON (GB)
BIANCO PAOLO (GB)
BIANCO PAOLO (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/EP2016/060791
Publication Date:
January 12, 2017
Filing Date:
May 12, 2016
Export Citation:
Assignee:
AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE LTD (GB)
UNIV SURREY (GB)
UNIV SURREY (GB)
International Classes:
H02K44/16; F03H1/00; H02K44/08; H02K44/10
Foreign References:
| US3303364A | 1967-02-07 |
Other References:
BUFORD RAY CONLEY ET AL: "Utilization of ambient gas as a propellant for low earth orbit electric propulsion", 7 July 1995 (1995-07-07), XP055237332, Retrieved from the Internet [retrieved on 20151217]
"Gridded electrostatic ion engine", 24 July 2006 (2006-07-24), Internet, XP055237658, Retrieved from the Internet [retrieved on 20151218]
"Gridded electrostatic ion engine", 24 July 2006 (2006-07-24), Internet, XP055237658, Retrieved from the Internet
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
CLARK, Jonathan et al. (GB)
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