Influence of Selected Electrode Array Parameters on Critical Propulsion Parameters in Biefeld–Brown Thrusters

The subject of this paper is how certain electrode array parameters affect the operating characteristics of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) propulsion systems. The focus is on how changes in the shapes and arrangements of electrodes, such as the diameter of the coronating conductor, effective electrode length and the spacing between electrodes, influence the formation and behaviour of the corona discharge and the resulting ion-induced airflow. A modular experimental setup was created to allow for a systematic study of each parameter in controlled atmospheric conditions using a high-voltage DC power supply. The study includes both the theoretical background and experimental methods, in order to explore the connections between the electric field distribution, ion mobility and propulsion force generation. By measuring the current, voltage and flow velocity, the impacts of design changes on the propulsion behaviour are examined. The findings help to improve the understanding of EHD propulsion mechanics and lay the groundwork for optimising electrode designs in future applications. This research supports the ongoing work to create compact, quiet and efficient propulsion technologies for use in lightweight aerial vehicles, precise fluid control and other engineering areas, where solid-state thrust systems have clear benefits over traditional methods.