Method and apparatus for providing high control authority atmospheric plasma
US9820369B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 25, 2014 |
| Grant date | Nov 14, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 25, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/10
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for providing high thrust density plasma, and/or high control authority plasma. In specific embodiments, such high thrust density, and/or high control authority, plasma can be at or near atmospheric pressure. Embodiments pertain to a method and apparatus that use electron confinement via one or more magnetic fields, and/or one or more electric fields, in a manner to improve the ionization due to surface plasma actuators. Specific embodiments can improve ionization by several orders of magnitude. This improved ionization can result in a high electric field inside the sheath for the same applied voltage and can result in very high thrust.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.