A Fluidic Alternative to the EM Drive Propulsion Concept: The Orthogonal Fluid Flow Propulsion Concept

Abstract

A theoretical space propulsion concept in which a system does not lose its ionized propellant is introduced. Due to the fact that no propellant mass is lost by the system, the theoretical propulsion concept is synonymous to a form of propellant less propulsion similarly to the EM Drive. Therefore, a summarization of the EM drive including a brief description of other advances in ion propulsion is given along with a comparison to the new theoretical propulsion concept to be introduced. The orthogonal fluid flow propulsion concept or OFFPC describes orthogonal fluid flows of ionized propellant injected by orthogonal nozzles into an enclosed chamber where the ionized propellant is governed by electric forces generated by the chamber walls and will be mathematically shown to generate thrust. Inevitably, Newton’s third law and momentum conservation are addressed in relation to the OFFPC. Specifically, aerodynamic momentum conservation in a controlled volume system is used to show that the OFFPC obeys momentum conservation after elucidating the role of Newton’s third law within the theoretical system. The capability of a propulsion system incorporating the OFFPC to regenerate a portion of its electric energy (and voltage) similarly to an automobile alternator will be mathematically expressed. Thus, a description of how the system exhausts energy as with any conventional system is given to show that a propulsion system incorporating the OFFPC is not a perpetual motion device. Lastly, a mathematical demonstration of a hypothetical vehicle is given to show quantitative results and theoretical performance figures produced by the OFFPC.