Hubbry Logo
Biefeld–Brown effectBiefeld–Brown effectMain
Open search
Biefeld–Brown effect
Community hub
Biefeld–Brown effect
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Biefeld–Brown effect
Biefeld–Brown effect
Biefeld–Brown effect
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

The Biefeld–Brown effect is an electrical phenomenon, first noticed by inventor Thomas Townsend Brown in the 1920s, where high voltage applied to the electrodes of an asymmetric capacitor causes a net propulsive force toward the smaller electrode.[1] Brown believed this effect was an anti-gravity force, and referred to as electrogravitics based on it being an electricity/gravity phenomenon.[2]: ch10  Detailed studies in vacuum chambers failed to replicate Brown's observations and follow-up studies attribute the force measure to corona wind from electrical discharge.[3][4]

Overview

[edit]

It is generally assumed that the Biefeld–Brown effect produces an ionic wind that transfers its momentum to surrounding neutral particles. It describes a force observed on an asymmetric capacitor when high voltage is applied to the capacitor's electrodes.[1] Once suitably charged up to high DC potentials, a thrust at the negative terminal, pushing it away from the positive terminal, is generated.[5]

The use of an asymmetric capacitor, with the negative electrode being larger than the positive electrode, allowed for more thrust to be produced in the direction from the low-flux to the high-flux region compared to a conventional capacitor.[5] These asymmetric capacitors became known as Asymmetrical Capacitor Thrusters (ACT).[6] These devices can be observed in ionocrafts and lifters, which utilize the effect to produce thrust in the air using electrical power without requiring any combustion or moving parts.[1]

History

[edit]
Further information: Thomas Townsend Brown

The "Biefeld–Brown effect" was the name given to a phenomenon observed by Thomas Townsend Brown while he was experimenting with X-ray tubes during the 1920s while he was still in high school. When he applied a high voltage electrical charge to a Coolidge tube that he placed on a scale, Brown noticed a difference in the tube's mass depending on orientation, implying some kind of net force.[1][7] This discovery caused him to assume that he had somehow influenced gravity electronically and led him to design a propulsion system based on this phenomenon. On 15 April 1927, he applied for a patent, entitled "Method of Producing Force or Motion," that described his invention as an electrical-based method that could control gravity to produce linear force or motion.[1] In 1929, Brown published an article for the popular American magazine Science and Invention, which detailed his work. The article also mentioned the "gravitator," an invention by Brown which produced motion without the use of electromagnetism, gears, propellers, or wheels, but instead using the principles of what he called "electro-gravitation." He also claimed that the asymmetric capacitors were capable of generating mysterious fields that interacted with the Earth's gravitational pull and envisioned a future where gravitators would propel ocean liners and even space cars.[2]: Ch21 

At some point this effect also gained the moniker "Biefeld–Brown effect", probably coined by Brown to claim Denison University professor of physics and astronomy Paul Alfred Biefeld as his mentor and co-experimenter.[2]: Ch11  Brown attended Denison in Ohio for a year before he dropped out and records of him even having an association with Biefeld are sketchy at best. Brown claimed that he did a series of experiments with professor of astronomy Biefeld, a former teacher of Brown whom Brown claimed was his mentor and co-experimenter at Denison University. As of 2004, Denison University claims they have no record of any such experiments, or of any association between Brown and Biefeld.[2]: Ch11 

In his 1960 patent titled "Electrokinetic Apparatus," Brown refers to electrokinesis to describe the Biefeld–Brown effect, linking the phenomenon to the field of electrohydrodynamics (EHD).[1][5] Brown also believed the Biefeld–Brown effect could produce an anti-gravity force, referred to as "electrogravitics" based on it being an electricity/gravity phenomenon.[2]: Ch10  However, there is little evidence that supports Brown's claim on the effect's anti-gravity properties.[8] In 1965, Brown filed a patent that claimed that a net force on the asymmetric capacitor can exist even in a vacuum. However, there is little experimental evidence that serves to validate his claims.[1]

In 1988, R. L. Talley measured no thrust from electrodes similar to those proposed by Brown operating in 10−6 torr vacuum under direct current potentials. He did find a force during electrical breakdown when current was flowing.[9] [5]: 216  In 2004, Tajmar enclosed the electrode apparatus in a box suspended on wires which would exclude any effect of corona wind. No linear thrust was observed indicating that the Biefeld–Brown effect was the well-studied corona wind.[5][10]: 359 [4]

Effect analysis

[edit]

The effect is generally believed to rely on corona discharge, which allows air molecules to become ionized near sharp points and edges. Usually, two electrodes are used with a high voltage between them, ranging from a few kilovolts and up to megavolt levels, where one electrode is small or sharp, and the other larger and smoother. The most effective distance between electrodes occurs at an electric potential gradient of about 10 kV/cm, which is just below the nominal breakdown voltage of air between two sharp points, at a current density level usually referred to as the saturated corona current condition. This creates a high field gradient around the smaller, positively charged electrode. Around this electrode, ionization occurs, that is, electrons are stripped from the atoms in the surrounding medium; they are literally pulled right off by the electrode's charge.[citation needed]

This leaves a cloud of positively charged ions in the medium, which are attracted to the negative smooth electrode by Coulomb's law, where they are neutralized again. This produces an equally scaled opposing force in the lower electrode. This effect can be used for propulsion (see EHD thruster), fluid pumps and recently also in EHD cooling systems.[11] The velocity achievable by such setups is limited by the momentum achievable by the ionized air, which is reduced by ion impact with neutral air. A theoretical derivation of this force has been proposed (see the external links below).

However, this effect works using either polarity for the electrodes: the small or thin electrode can be either positive or negative, and the larger electrode must have the opposite polarity.[6] On many experimental sites it is reported that the thrust effect of a lifter is actually a bit stronger when the small electrode is the positive one.[1] This is possibly an effect of the differences between the ionization energy and electron affinity energy of the constituent parts of air; thus the ease of which ions are created at the 'sharp' electrode.

As air pressure is removed from the system, several effects combine to reduce the force and momentum available to the system. The number of air molecules around the ionizing electrode is reduced, decreasing the quantity of ionized particles. At the same time, the number of impacts between ionized and neutral particles is reduced. Whether this increases or decreases the maximum momentum of the ionized air is not typically measured, although the force acting upon the electrodes reduces, until the glow discharge region is entered. The reduction in force is also a product of the reducing breakdown voltage of air, as a lower potential must be applied between the electrodes, thereby reducing the force dictated by Coulomb's law.

During the glow discharge regime, the air becomes a conductor. Though the applied voltage and current will propagate at nearly the speed of light, the movement of the conductors themselves is almost negligible. This leads to a Coulomb force and change of momentum so small as to be zero.

Below the glow discharge region, the breakdown voltage increases again, whilst the number of potential ions decreases, and the chance of impact lowers. Experiments have been conducted and found to both prove and disprove a force at very low pressure. It is likely that the reason for this is that at very low pressures, only experiments which used very large voltages produced positive results, as a product of a greater chance of ionization of the extremely limited number of available air molecules, and a greater force from each ion from Coulomb's law; experiments which used lower voltages have a lower chance of ionization and a lower force per ion. Common to positive results is that the force observed is small in comparison to experiments conducted at standard pressure.

Patents

[edit]
U.S. patent 3,120,363 — Flying apparatus — G.E. Hagen

T. T. Brown was granted a number of patents on his discovery:

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Biefeld–Brown effect

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Biefeld–Brown effect is an electrical phenomenon in which a high-voltage difference applied across an produces a net thrust directed toward the electrode with the smaller radius of curvature, typically the positively charged one, without involving mechanical propulsion. Discovered in the early 1920s by American inventor during experiments with X-ray tubes under the guidance of his physics professor Paul Alfred Biefeld at , the effect was initially observed as an unexplained force causing charged objects to move. Brown filed several patents documenting the phenomenon, including British Patent GB300311A in 1928 for a device exploiting the force, and U.S. Patents 1,974,483 (1934), 2,949,550 (1960), 3,018,394 (1962), and 3,187,206 (1965), which described applications in electrokinetic propulsion and claimed the force persisted even in vacuum, suggesting links to . Despite early speculations by that the effect represented an "electrogravitic" interaction coupling electricity and gravitation—potentially enabling propulsion—subsequent scientific analyses have attributed it primarily to electrohydrodynamic (EHD) forces arising from and ionic wind in air. In this mechanism, ionizes air molecules near the smaller , creating a stream of charged particles (s) that drift toward the larger , imparting to the surrounding neutral air and generating via unipolar flow; the force scales with applied voltage, asymmetry, and current, but diminishes significantly or vanishes in , contradicting electrogravitic claims. Experimental validations, such as those using triangular "lifter" configurations with thin wire anodes and foil cathodes at 20–30 kV, have measured thrusts on the order of several grams, aligning closely with ion drift models (e.g., ~4 g at 20.5 kV and 0.586 mA current, with ~6.5% deviation from theory). The effect has inspired hobbyist and research applications in ion-propelled devices, known as lifters or ionocraft, which can achieve through EHD , though efficiency remains low (e.g., ~0.1–1% of input power converted to lift) due to high requirements and air dependency. NASA's interest in the –1960s explored it for , but findings confirmed the ionic explanation, limiting practical use to atmospheric environments like silent drones or air purification via electrostatic precipitation. Ongoing studies continue to refine models, with some investigations noting subtle effects possibly due to residual gas or polarization, though these do not support interpretations; as of 2024, researchers like Buhler have reported subtle effects in high using advanced designs, though these findings are debated and attributed to experimental artifacts by critics.

Introduction

Definition

The Biefeld–Brown effect is an electrical phenomenon characterized by the production of a net or force on an asymmetric when a high (DC) voltage, typically in the range of tens of kilovolts, is applied across its . This force acts in the direction of the smaller or thinner electrode, with no mechanical connections or moving parts involved in the setup. Central to the effect is the use of an asymmetric , which features two electrodes of unequal dimensions—one significantly larger and the other smaller or more pointed—separated by a material to prevent direct conduction. The high-voltage electrostatic field generated between these electrodes creates an imbalance that results in the observed , distinguishing it from symmetric capacitor behaviors where no occurs. The foundational physical principle underlying this effect stems from the electrostatic force exerted on charged particles or objects within the nonuniform , expressed as
F=qE,\mathbf{F} = q \mathbf{E},
where F\mathbf{F} is the force vector, qq is the , and E\mathbf{E} is the vector; this interaction becomes pronounced due to field gradients near the asymmetric electrodes. The effect was first noticed in the 1920s by during experiments with Coolidge X-ray tubes under the guidance of his physics professor Paul Alfred Biefeld, where high voltages led to unexpected motion toward the positive electrode.

Historical Significance

The Biefeld–Brown effect significantly influenced the 1950s surge in "electrogravitics" research, a field hyped as a potential breakthrough in propulsion amid aerospace competition. This enthusiasm was fueled by media coverage and industry speculation, notably in the February 1956 report Electrogravitics Systems published by Aviation Studies (International) Ltd., which highlighted investigations by major U.S. firms such as Douglas, Hiller, and into electrostatic motion and counterbary effects derived from Brown's work. Classified U.S. military interest emerged around 1954, with initiatives exploring electrogravitic applications for high-speed interceptors, including Brown's Project Winterhaven proposal for a Mach-3 saucer-shaped craft powered by high-voltage asymmetric capacitors. Despite initial optimism, these efforts largely dissipated by the late 1950s due to lack of verifiable gravitational coupling, though they underscored the era's blend of scientific inquiry and speculative engineering. The effect's legacy extends into fringe theories and , where it has been misconstrued as evidence for devices and extraterrestrial propulsion. Speculations linking it to UFO sightings proliferated, with Brown's demonstrations inspiring claims of reverse-engineered alien technology, while narratives connected it to unverified Nazi experiments like "Die Glocke," a supposed bell-shaped apparatus. These associations persist in modern pseudoscientific discourse, often portraying the effect as suppressed evidence of or gravitational manipulation, despite rigorous debunking as mere ionic wind. Beyond , the Biefeld–Brown effect catalyzed practical advancements in ionic wind thrusters, leveraging electrohydrodynamic (EHD) principles for silent, combustion-free propulsion. This has led to innovations in drone technology, such as ion-propelled micro-aircraft demonstrated by MIT researchers, achieving sustained flight through and ion acceleration. In space applications, it is ineffective in due to the absence of neutral particles.

Historical Development

Early Discovery

The Biefeld–Brown effect originated from experiments conducted by during his teenage years. In , while experimenting with a Coolidge —a featuring asymmetrical electrodes— observed an unexpected acting on the charged device when high voltage was applied, causing it to move toward the positive electrode. This initial discovery occurred outside formal academic settings, as was then a at Doane Academy, a preparatory school affiliated with in . After graduating from Doane Academy in 1923, briefly attended the before enrolling at Denison. Brown's work gained structure through his collaboration with physics professor Paul Alfred Biefeld at , beginning in 1924 during Brown's enrollment there from September 1924 to June 1925. Under Biefeld's mentorship, Brown refined his investigations into charged asymmetrical capacitors, observing consistent thrust effects rooted in classical electrostatic principles. These efforts at Denison marked the formalization of the phenomenon, later attributed to both researchers, though the specific term "Biefeld–Brown effect" emerged in subsequent documentation. The first public mentions of these findings appeared in 1924 through Brown's demonstrations and a titled "Particles of Energy and The Control of Gravitation," presented with experiments to Denison's Society faculty and students. Brown also assisted Biefeld in related astronomical observations, such as recording a partial in January 1925, further integrating his electrostatic research into university activities. This period unfolded amid the scientific landscape, where classical provided the foundational framework for Brown's observations, even as emerging theories in and began reshaping broader understandings of fundamental forces.

Brown's Research

Following his early experiments, Thomas Townsend Brown pursued independent research on electrical phenomena starting in the 1930s, focusing on high-voltage effects he believed influenced gravitational forces. By 1952, Brown's claims had evolved from initial observations of electrostatic thrust on charged objects to the concept of "electrogravitics," positing that intense electric fields could produce a net force proportional to the mass of a dielectric material, effectively linking electricity to gravity manipulation. In demonstrations that year, he showcased model devices, including disc-shaped capacitors charged to 45 kilovolts that exhibited measurable thrust of up to 7 grams, which he attributed to this electrogravitic coupling rather than conventional aerodynamic effects. Throughout the 1950s, Brown conducted key demonstrations of his evolving theories. From 1955 to 1958, he led experiments at the Bahnson Laboratory in , funded by industrialist Agnew Bahnson, testing metal discs up to 30 inches in diameter under high voltages in vacuum chambers to isolate purported gravitational effects; these sessions were documented on Super-8 film, later converted to video. In 1956, amid growing interest in unidentified aerial phenomena, Brown founded the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) on October 24, alongside , professionals, serving as its initial director to investigate UFO sightings potentially related to advanced propulsion technologies like electrogravitics. He self-funded much of his ongoing research through personal resources and private sponsorships, as institutional support remained limited despite military intrigue. However, Brown resigned from NICAP by early 1957 due to board concerns over financial management, after which he intensified his secretive approach to avoid scrutiny. Brown's career was marked by persistent financial struggles, as he repeatedly sought but failed to secure substantial government or corporate backing for his projects, relying instead on modest private labs and his own means. His work remained largely concealed from mainstream science, conducted in isolation to protect what he viewed as breakthrough innovations. Brown died on October 27, 1985, in Avalon, Santa Catalina Island, California, without achieving widespread scientific acceptance for his electrogravitics theories.

Physical Description

Experimental Setup

The experimental setup for observing the Biefeld–Brown effect typically involves an asymmetric consisting of a thin wire (such as 38-gauge wire with a diameter of approximately 0.1 mm) positioned above a larger foil plate (e.g., aluminum foil, 20 cm × 4 cm in size), with an separation of 2.5–6 cm. This is powered by a high-voltage DC supply capable of delivering 20–50 kV at low currents (around 0.5–1.5 mA), often using a Spellman SL series generator or similar insulated source to ensure stable polarity and digital voltage readout. The apparatus is suspended by a thin thread or placed on an insulated platform to allow free movement, with the wire usually serving as the positive terminal to initiate . A common variation is the "lifter" design, which employs a lightweight triangular frame constructed from , PVC, or mylar sheets (total mass around 5 g), supporting the asymmetric in a closed loop configuration. In this setup, a corona wire runs along the top edge of the frame, while a grounded aluminum foil skirt forms the bottom , typically with a height of 3.5–10.5 cm and wire spacing adjusted for optimal . Multiple such cells can be arranged in series or parallel on a rotating arm or fixed platform made of or , connected via insulated or wiring. Safety protocols include the use of high-insulation materials like , tape, and rounded foil edges to prevent arcing, with voltage gradually ramped up from low levels (e.g., starting at 8–14 kV) to the operating range. is measured using a digital scale (0.01 g resolution) for grounded setups or a pendulum-like suspension for levitating models, with grounding of components between tests to discharge residual potentials. Experiments are conducted at , though setups can be enclosed in chambers (down to 10^{-6} mm Hg) to assess performance under reduced air pressure, noting variations due to without further analysis here. However, in high , the effect does not produce measurable , consistent with the electrohydrodynamic explanation.

Observed Phenomena

The Biefeld–Brown effect is characterized by a or acting on an asymmetric subjected to , directed from the larger toward the smaller one, which can cause the device to rotate or lift. This primary observation has been consistently replicated in various experimental setups since the , with the force enabling motion without mechanical . Empirical measurements indicate magnitudes typically in the range of 0.1 to 0.13 N at applied voltages around 23–30 kV, depending on geometry and air conditions. The exhibits a quadratic dependence on voltage, following the empirical relation T∝V2T \propto V^2, as the corona current—and thus momentum transfer—increases nonlinearly with potential difference. Greater asymmetry enhances the effect by concentrating the at the smaller , promoting asymmetric generation, while diminishes with increasing separation due to reduced field intensity. Secondary phenomena accompany the thrust, including an audible hissing from ionized air flow, a visible bluish glow indicative of around the electrodes, and localized heating from current dissipation. These effects are absent in symmetric capacitors, where no is observed under similar conditions. Quantitative examples include lifter devices achieving approximately 0.5 g of lift at 25 kV in atmospheric tests, with thrusts up to 13 g (about 0.13 ) recorded at 22.8 kV in detailed replications; such results align with observations spanning nearly a century of experimentation.

Theoretical Explanations

Ion Wind Mechanism

The ion wind mechanism, recognized as the primary explanation for the Biefeld–Brown effect in atmospheric conditions, involves the electrohydrodynamic propulsion generated by corona discharge in air. A high direct-current voltage, typically in the range of 20–50 kV, is applied across an asymmetric capacitor configuration, featuring a thin wire or sharp electrode serving as the positive anode and a larger foil or plate as the negative cathode. The intense electric field at the sharp anode exceeds the dielectric strength of air, initiating a corona discharge that ionizes neutral air molecules, predominantly producing positive ions (such as N₂⁺ or O₂⁺) and free electrons near the electrode surface. These positive ions are then accelerated by the electric field toward the cathode, gaining kinetic energy before colliding with neutral air molecules in their path. Each collision transfers momentum from the fast-moving ions to the surrounding neutral gas, creating a downstream flow of air—known as ionic wind—from the anode to the cathode. This net airflow exerts a reaction force on the capacitor assembly, producing observable thrust directed toward the anode. The underlying physics relies on ion drift and momentum transfer within the . The drift velocity of the ions, vdv_d, is determined by the relation vd=μEv_d = \mu E, where μ\mu is the ion mobility (a measure of how quickly ions move under unit , typically around 1–2 × 10⁻⁴ m²/V·s for air ions at standard conditions) and EE is the local . As ions drift across the inter-electrode gap, they undergo numerous collisions with neutral molecules, with the collision frequency governed by the air pressure and ion . This process efficiently couples the ion motion to the bulk neutral air, inducing a macroscopic convective flow without requiring direct ionization of all air molecules. The resulting ionic wind velocity can reach several meters per second, depending on the field gradient and , and scales with the overall production. A theoretical derivation for the thrust follows from conservation of momentum in the electrohydrodynamic system. The net thrust TT is approximated by T≈IdμT \approx \frac{I d}{\mu}, where II is the total corona current (in amperes), dd is the electrode gap distance (in meters), and μ\mu is the ion mobility. This expression equates the thrust to the rate of momentum imparted by the ion flux: the current II represents the charge flow, and dividing by the elementary charge yields the ion flux, whose momentum transfer over distance dd at drift speed vd=μEv_d = \mu E yields the force. More advanced fluid dynamics models, incorporating Navier-Stokes equations coupled with for the and , validate this approximation and predict spatial variations in and gradients consistent with experimental airflow measurements. Compelling evidence for the mechanism comes from vacuum experiments, where the effect disappears at low pressures due to the absence of a neutral gas medium for momentum transfer. Thrust measurements cease below approximately 10−310^{-3} , as cannot sustain sufficient without sufficient air density, aligning precisely with ionic wind predictions. This was confirmed in controlled tests reaching pressures as low as 10−610^{-6} , where no residual force was detected on the , ruling out medium-independent mechanisms.

Electrogravitics Claims

hypothesized that high-voltage electric fields could couple directly to gravitation in a process he termed "electrogravitics," potentially reducing an object's effective mass or generating by locally curving , with the effect purportedly operating independently of surrounding air. This theory posited a between and , distinct from conventional electrostatic forces, and was central to Brown's experimental pursuits throughout his career. Brown's proposed basis for electrogravitics drew a loose to general relativity's description of gravity via the stress-energy tensor, suggesting that the of the , 12ϵ0E2\frac{1}{2} \epsilon_0 E^2, could contribute to gravitational effects in a manner analogous to mass-energy. However, Brown provided no formal mathematical equations to substantiate this coupling, relying instead on empirical observations from asymmetric capacitors charged to tens or hundreds of kilovolts. Supporting arguments included his claims of persistent in conditions, which he argued ruled out air-mediated effects, and demonstrations with 1950s "gravitator" devices—stacked capacitors—that reportedly achieved up to 1% weight reduction under . Critics noted that electrogravitics theory conflicts with the of , which asserts the indistinguishability of gravitational and inertial mass, as Brown's mechanism implied a selective gravitational response to without affecting equivalently. Furthermore, the fails to account for the observed quadratic voltage dependence (proportional to V2V^2) of the force, a scaling better explained by electrostatic models rather than gravitational coupling. While Brown advocated this gravity-electricity interaction as the underlying cause, an alternative mechanism, involving momentum transfer from ionized air, aligns more closely with the empirical data.

Scientific Evaluation

Experimental Rebuttals

This result was replicated in 2003 by researchers at the Institute for Scientific Research, who examined lifter-style asymmetrical capacitors—modern variants of Brown's designs—in conditions. The tests, funded as part of a congressional earmark for breakthrough propulsion studies, produced no evidence of in , attributing any observed motion in air solely to rather than novel physics. A 2003 U.S. report investigated the force on asymmetric capacitors, including Brown's designs, using experiments in air and . The study demonstrated that arises from transfer between ions and neutral air particles, with no observed in the absence of a surrounding medium, thus confirming the effect's dependence on atmospheric presence. Quantitative analyses further supported this, showing that measured in such systems scales linearly with (T ∝ P), vanishing entirely in high and providing a clear disproof of any pressure-independent gravitational . A 2004 study by Tajmar et al. derived this relationship through precise measurements in controlled environments up to 10^{-6} , establishing a null result for electrogravitic claims with forces at least five orders of magnitude below expected anomalous levels. Additional rebuttals involved symmetric configurations as controls, which exhibited no net under high-voltage conditions, ruling out field asymmetry as a standalone cause and reinforcing that corona-induced dynamics in air are essential for the observed phenomena. Tajmar et al.'s experiments with symmetric cylinder-ring electrodes at potentials up to 40 kV confirmed this absence of force, setting tight upper bounds on any residual anomalous effects.

Modern Research

In the 21st century, replications of the Biefeld–Brown effect have consistently attributed the observed thrust to ion wind rather than any gravitational interaction. A 2011 analysis published in the Journal of Electrostatics modeled the force on asymmetric capacitors under high voltage, deriving an expression for thrust based on ionic momentum transfer and confirming it through experiments that matched theoretical predictions for ion wind propulsion. Similarly, a 2024 experiment in Scientific Reports rigorously tested for electromagnetic-gravitational coupling using setups inspired by the Biefeld–Brown configuration, including high-voltage capacitors in vacuum and controlled atmospheres; no evidence of gravity modification was detected, with all forces accounted for by electrostatic and corona discharge effects. Advancements in ionic propulsion have drawn on principles related to the effect for practical applications, particularly in atmospheric and low-pressure environments. In 2018, MIT engineers demonstrated the first sustained flight of an electroaerodynamic aircraft powered by ionic wind thrusters, achieving a 60-meter glide without moving parts, which highlighted potential for silent, lightweight propulsion in planetary atmospheres like Mars, where thin air limits traditional rotors. For vacuum operations, such as space missions, electrospray thrusters—ion engines that emit charged droplets from high-voltage emitters—have been developed as an adaptation, enabling micro-Newton thrusts for CubeSat attitude control and deep-space probes, though these operate via field emission rather than corona discharge and show no antigravity properties. No breakthroughs in electrogravitics have emerged from these efforts, with thrust efficiencies remaining in the millinewton-per-kilowatt range suitable only for small-scale devices. Fringe research persists in exploring speculative links between the effect and space curvature, often proposing unverified interactions with . Such claims echo earlier electrogravitics ideas but fail empirical tests in controlled settings. As of 2025, the views the Biefeld–Brown effect as a useful demonstration for in educational contexts and a basis for micro-thrusters in drones and satellites, with zero substantiated evidence for electrogravitics or coupling, as reaffirmed by recent high-precision experiments and reviews from bodies like .

Patents and Applications

Key Patents

Thomas Townsend Brown filed numerous patents related to electrokinetic devices and propulsion systems, with over a dozen focused on the principles underlying the Biefeld–Brown effect, many emphasizing operation in to support claims of direct interaction with gravitational fields. One of Brown's earliest patents, U.S. Patent 1,974,483, issued on September 25, 1934, titled "," describes a method and apparatus for producing force or motion through high-voltage electrostatic charges applied to a system of condensers or capacitors, forming an early electrokinetic device capable of generating linear or rotary motion without mechanical parts. In U.S. 2,949,550, issued on August 16, 1960, and titled "Electrokinetic Apparatus," detailed a "gravitor" device using asymmetric electrodes to produce controlled motion, intended for applications in systems like . U.S. 3,187,206, issued on June 1, 1965, also titled "Electrokinetic Apparatus," advanced these concepts with a multi-disc configuration designed for generation, incorporating materials between arrays to shape for efficient . Among other filings, British Patent GB300311, accepted on November 15, 1928, titled "A Method of and an Apparatus or Machine for Producing Force or Motion," explored high-tension electric effects on connected conducting bodies to induce self-driving motion, laying foundational claims for electrokinetic force production. Brown's portfolio included at least 12 such patents, several reiterating vacuum operation to differentiate from atmospheric effects and assert novel physical principles. Despite the granting of these patents by patent offices, which required demonstration of inventive utility rather than scientific novelty, Brown's inventions faced significant skepticism from the and achieved no commercial success, attributed to the absence of groundbreaking physics beyond known electrostatic phenomena.

Proposed Uses

The Biefeld–Brown effect has been proposed for validated applications leveraging ionic wind generated by . In 2018, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology demonstrated the first propelled solely by ionic wind, a lightweight plane with a 5-meter wingspan that completed a 60-meter flight indoors using a 40,000-volt to ionize and accelerate air molecules for silent . This technology has been suggested for quiet indoor drones, enabling noise-free operation for environmental monitoring or surveillance without traditional propellers. Additionally, from asymmetric capacitors, central to the effect, has been applied in air purification , where generated ions neutralize airborne particles and pathogens, as shown in studies using carbon-fiber ionizers to filter aerosolized viruses with up to 99% efficiency in controlled airflow. Speculative proposals have centered on propulsion for advanced vehicles. Thomas Townsend Brown envisioned disc-shaped aircraft, or "saucers," using high-voltage asymmetric capacitors to produce electrogravitic thrust for efficient aerial navigation, as demonstrated in 1952 models achieving up to 7 grams of lift at 30 kV, though later attributed to ionic wind rather than gravity manipulation. In modern contexts, startups like Undefined Technologies have proposed electro-aerodynamic (EAD) systems for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, with their Silent Ventus drone achieving a 4.5-minute test flight in 2022 using ion propulsion for zero-emission, under 75 dB operation suitable for urban air mobility. Despite these ideas, significant limitations hinder broader adoption. Ionic wind propulsion exhibits low -to-power ratios, typically ranging from 5 to 50 N/kW in optimized setups, far below conventional jet engines' ~20 N/kW, making it inefficient for high- needs. The effect requires atmospheric s, rendering it unsuitable for vacuum environments like space travel, where no is generated without air molecules. Furthermore, no electrogravitic applications—such as direct gravity control—have been realized, with all observed forces explained by electrohydrodynamic transfer. Future potential lies in hybrid integrations for specialized environments, such as combining high-voltage ionic thrusters with for low-density atmospheres, though practical demonstrations remain experimental.

References

  1. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.9095
  2. https://www.nextbigfuture.com/2024/04/exodus-propulsion-technologies-claims-huge-space-propulsion-breakthrough.html
  3. https://arxiv.org/abs/1011.1393
  4. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA416740.pdf
  5. https://arxiv.org/pdf/physics/0211001
  6. https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1060&context=honorstheses
  7. https://pubs.aip.org/aip/adv/article/4/7/077120/20695/High-efficiency-Lifter-based-on-the-Biefeld-Brown
  8. https://ia801507.us.archive.org/6/items/thomas-valone-electrogravitics-systems/Thomas%20Valone%20-%20Electrogravitics%20Systems_text.pdf
  9. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20060000022/downloads/20060000022.pdf
  10. https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/research/a36560537/die-glocke-nazi-bell-conspiracy/
  11. https://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.1/151296/GomezVega-ngomezve-PhD-AeroAstro-2023-thesis.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
  12. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20100000021/downloads/20100000021.pdf
  13. https://denisonarchives.libraryhost.com/index.php?p=digitallibrary/digitalcontent&id=28
  14. https://irp.cdn-website.com/6b820530/files/uploaded/Thomas%20Townsend%20Brown%20Electro%20Gravity%20Devices%20Office%20of%20Naval%20Research.PDF
  15. http://users.erols.com/iri/TTBROWN2.htm
  16. https://www.nicap.org/bios/NICAP-Bios/Brown.htm
  17. https://www.theguardian.com/education/2003/apr/17/science.highereducation
  18. https://arxiv.org/pdf/physics/0211001.pdf
  19. https://riancon.neocities.org/brown_biefeld.pdf
  20. https://link.aps.org/doi/10.1103/PhysRevFluids.3.063701
  21. https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=55806
  22. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20040070788/downloads/20040070788.pdf
  23. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/245425484_Biefeld-Brown_Effect_Misinterpretation_of_Corona_Wind_Phenomena
  24. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304388611001367
  25. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-70286-w
  26. https://news.mit.edu/2018/first-ionic-wind-plane-no-moving-parts-1121
  27. https://patents.google.com/?inventor=Thomas+Townsend+Brown
  28. https://patents.google.com/patent/US1974483A/en
  29. https://patents.google.com/patent/US2949550A/en
  30. https://patents.google.com/patent/US3187206A/en
  31. https://patents.google.com/patent/GB300311A/en
  32. https://www.thomastownsendbrown.com/misc/patents.htm
  33. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7094352/
  34. https://dronelife.com/2022/09/22/whats-an-ion-propulsion-drone-undefined-technologies-demonstrates-viability-of-silent-drone-tech/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.