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Into the Deep: Ion Propulsion Systems

CSEF · 2002 Applied Mechanics/ Structures & Mechanisms/ Manufacturing

Byron Cifuentes, Eric Garcia · Centennial High School, Corona

Overview

Objectives/Goals To find if it is possible to create an ion propulsion device in an aqueous medium using the principles of a capacitor. We belive it is possible to accomplish this if we use a capacitor to create a convetion current of an ionic compund within the system resulting in a concentration difference within differnt regions of the system. Methods/Materials Materils: PVC piping, distiled H(2)O, 10 gallon tank, galvanized wire mesh, fountain pump, hose, Ionic Solution (FeCl(3) and ZnCl(2)), Volt meter, battery charger, and spectrometer. Procedure: We baisically creted a capicitor using a PVC rectanguolar frame and attaching the galvanized mesh to both sides then pumping our ionic solution (initially FeCl(3)) in hopes thatr the capicitor creates a convention current. We accumulated data by measuring the concentration of differnet regions of the system using the spectrometer. If there was a significant concentration difference we knew our hypothesis was correct. We later found this method unsuccesful so we conducted the expiriment again only this time we usex a differnt ionic solution and placed a solenoid in the middle of the capacitor to achieve the desired results. Results Our first trial proved unconclusive showing a constant concentration difference throughout the system. After implementing a few modifications (adding a solenoid and changing the ionic solution to ZnCl(2)) we concentration difference throughout the system proving our initial hypothesis correct. Conclusions/Discussion We found that it is possible to create an ionic propulsion divise using a capicitor howver a devise is needed to nuetralize charges as they exit the source so that a propulsion can be achieved, in our case we used a solenoid.

Summary statement

Using the principles of a capacitor and electron negativity principles we were able to contruct an ion propulsion devise in an aqeous medium.

Help received

Used lab equipment from Centennial High School under supervision of Mr. Phil Beach

Competition history

  • CSEF 2002 Applied Mechanics/ Structures & Mechanisms/ Manufacturing · Entry S0207

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