Flying triangle

This is an IFO (Identified Flying Object) that employs very unusual physics to suck in air and push it downwards through the middle of the "triangular" box-kite-like structure. A very high AC voltage is applied between the thin wire (at the top) and the aluminium side walls, and this creates a strong electric field that affects the surrounding air, by attracting it inwards. Although this concept is not new - ie. it has been done before - the physics describing this phenomenon is not very well understood... (Built by Paul Deuchar, Supervisor: Sam Cubero)... Could this be the kind of engine to power the next generation of UAVs and flying vehicles? Unfortunately, it is not very energy efficient, as it consumes about 80W of power to move a very light 10 gram mass.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• flying
• triangle
• UFO
• physics
• ionic
• wind
• electric
• field
• UAV
• robot
• robotics
• mechatronics