Building A Twin Ion Engine (TIE) Catamaran (ft RCTestFlight)

This boat changes everything. So will Keysight World Innovate - which you can check out here: keysig.ht/OOcwtK
Ionic thrust has massive potential to change how we look at propulsion. We've used ion engines for spaceflight, and have started applying ionic thrust towards Airflight. I argue, it's time to turn our eyes to the ocean, and quiet down rock concert we've turned the ocean into. The greatest strength of ionic thrust, may be its silence. So, we built a TIE catamaran, straight from the Dark Side.
Thanks to Onshape for their awesome modeling program. Create a free Onshape account here: Onshape.pro/PlasmaChannel
Jordan's research paper: link.springer.com/referencewo...
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[@PlasmaChannel]

Thank you to Daniel for his input, and to Erin for sharing his awesome airboat drone footage. I've left a link in the vid description to Erin's drone company, and a link to where you can sign up for Onshape, for free. Thanks for watching!

[@NoExpert]

What is the biggest ionic thruster you could build realistically ??

[@tgvanimate]

@

[@youtuberpov]

Now you need to build a kid's size version of the catamaran.

[@shadowofchaos8932]

My question is how small and efficient can you make them. Small enough with the right setup, it could move pretty good in small scale.

[@burneye]

epic work 😎

[@Juras_Dss]

Ionic thruster: * has a big issue with humidity* Jay and Daniel: Let's make a boat!

[@josefwollersberger1552]

True. Can't see it work much better on a plane either unless he solves that issue. The moment you enter a cloud or a bank of fog, the thrusters cook off.

[@Spencergolde]

That's like the scariest place for an ionic thruster to be

[@frankfarmer2610]

How would this fare in arctic environments, where the air is too cold to hold much humidity?

[@123Andersonev]

put a desiccant filter on it?

[@thekuba9352]

Opportunity to improve on it maybe

[@StefanReich]

"Virtually no noise signature" Ionic boat: sizzles like crazy

[@JohnDobak]

Snap, Crackle and BOP yo ass.

[@mariog9202]

maybe the humid ocean air isnt the best area for ionic thrusters lol

[@2iinfinite]

Comatose ninja 🥷 💤

[@worldspam5682]

*no water noise signature, but hell of open air noise signature

[@satriahanifrofi9798]

Anjay

[@RimstarOrg]

Nice work! Since you're not working with aluminum foil, it may not be so noticeable but each spark makes a tiny hole in your smooth electrode, making it less smooth and possibly more likely to spark. You could try replacing the electrode if you had a lot of sparking to see if it gets better.

[@ntorix599]

I think having the thrusters rotate would be a huge improvement. You could use the force of trusters combined with the counter force of the water to make a higher net force forward like a sail boat. That would be pretty complicated though so maybe just turning the thrusters to simulate the forces on a boat from sails and adding a rudder for steering. You'd probably need to add some plastic under the hauls to increase side ways friction.

[@robvod]

would a spiral shape help with density of the thruster. As I understand electrical charge is fired from the positive -> negative terminal, hitting air molecules that then creates thrust. By using a spiral-shaped postive terminal + spiral-shaped negative terminal to match, the density of electrons flying across would be much increased (potentially). It could even be set up to be a spiral along the z-axis as well. A bit more complex to build but if done incrementally, it may improve the thrust? Also could all the sparks be re-routed to another circuit/ground?

[@broodaiamdewey622]

​@@robvodI've seen other creators using straight surfaces with serrated edges. Maybe they're using the tips to concentrate that flow like a bunch of mini nozzles.

[@dpidcoe]

I have a bit of experience with 3d prints and high voltage from my previous job. One thing we discovered was that directionality of the print matters; very high voltage had a tendency to pass clean through the layer lines, sometimes creating little carbon trails and making them a better conductor than a pure air gap. You may be able to reduce sparking by making the rings a nested two-part design, with the nesting parts printed 90 degrees from each other (though that might require a more support material than is practical). You could also try printing with a material you can glaze (e.g. ABS + acetone spray, though this is a huge pain to work with), or experiment with various coatings (maybe a thinned rubber sealant).

[@PlasmaChannel]

Thanks for this input, its very good to know. Yeah, I luckily have not had issues with the voltage jumping through, as long as I keep all edges rounded on the ground.

[@iczer01]

Did you ever test using sla or Msla vs fdm I could see how the exotic resins and high resolution of sla could be a way to avoid your findings

[@robertlapointe4093]

Hi Jay, nice video. A few thoughts on the "humidity problem". Humidity effects high voltage devices by adsorbing to the surfaces of solids, such as the materials of construction and dust particles in the air. Water adsorbed on surfaces reduces the surface resistance by providing a more conductive layer. This could be mitigated by using materials of construction with less affinity for water. PLA, Nylon, PVC, acrylic, PET and many others adsorb quite a bit of water. Better materials from this perspective would be polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyolefins (such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene or polypropylene), Teflon and silicone rubber. Also, it might be interesting to try using a super-hydrophobic coating on the more problematic materials. This still leaves the problem of water adsorption on dust particles, which tend to clump together under humid conditions (the adsorbed water provides a sticky coating) forming small conductive clumps, which act as corona points in an electric field, reducing the breakdown voltage. One way around this problem is to choose dry, low particulate pollution (dust, pollen, soot, etc.) days for testing. Probably the worst environments for ionic thrusters would be in the vicinity of sea spray, or at higher altitude (where reduced air pressure will increase the conductivity of the air itself by increasing the mean-free-path for impact ionization). These problems could be mitigated by increasing the electrode distances in the thruster, but probably with a reduction in efficiency. Looking forward to see how you tackle these issues.

[@maxluthor6800]

what about simply putting an air filter +dehumidifier in front of the thrust inlet? we do that in our cars already. We cool the air.

[@hyakinthos_0902]

commenting so that this comment gets bumped

[@rbtgmnstcs]

One, maybe possible, solution I was thinking about, was if the incoming air, before the thruster, went through a flat section, between two charged plates, formed like a flat trumpet/horn. Then it might be possible to divert the particles in the air to either of the plates. If the intake side of the thruster would be pinched and placed close to the "mouth of the trumpet", then some of the air (hopefully containing more "unwanted stuff") would more likely pass outside of the pinched intake than going through the thruster. Basically an electrostaticly charged particle diverter. I haven't thought about it, but could the thruster have a flat shape, or would it become less efficient? If not, I guess the diverter would cause less drop in efficiency.

[@conorstewart2214]

A hydrophobic coating is probably the easiest option. Polycarbonate isn’t the easiest to print and polypropylene can be very difficult at times. Maybe trying resin prints would be an easier option?

[@brsrc759]

Dang bro you sound like a rocket scientist 😂

[@SpawnofChaos]

It's always so weird to see basically nothing but places I recognize in videos on RcTestFlight's channel and now I find a second local channel with content I love. Keep up the awesomeness, neighbors!

[@sergeys.8830]

Great attempt and video! Looking forward for the version next. I am becoming a fan of the electric propulsion systems

[@roelieboy204]

If you would put the thrusters on a 360° rotating servo, you could steer with both engines active, thus having more power while steering. It can also be used as a reverse by rotating the servo's 180° This could be a nice addition.

[@vennic]

You could even pull a Crazy Ivan!

[@dziubo1]

he was proud that this model has no moving parts. Also, this prototype wasn't designed to turn well, but to turn at all with asymetric thrust... He was checking if it works and propels at all.

[@raphaalf3952]

+ moar thrusters

[@oldNavyJZ]

@@vennic At the top of bottom of the hour?

[@michaelharris679]

You could also use a blown rudder and save a lot of weird packaging constraints.

[@Daxis834]

About the greatest crossover i could have ever asked for.

[@SolarWebsite]

YES!

[@ZanderStrom10]

Anyone* could have asked for

[@CT5555_]

That thumbnail legitimately made me think it was an RC test flight video until I read the channel.

[@JoeBissell]

right!!

[@niklaskoskinen123]

Just seeing the thumbnail, I actually thought this was an rctestflight video.

[@FliGuyRyan]

I like where you're going with this project's path. Keep going... change the world my friend.

[@jamestaylor4843]

I am so impressed with the outcome of your test if you can beat the humidity problem it will be awesome!!!!

[@jaculpiii]

The first step towards the TIE Fighter has been taken! Very cool project thanks for sharing.

[@PrinceAlhorian]

It's quieter than one

[@jaculpiii]

@@PrinceAlhorian there's time to add the noise later :D

[@kevinbissinger]

​@@PrinceAlhorian Yeah, this boat isn't coming anywhere close to supersonic territory so not surprising

[@gearandalthefirst7027]

I mean people have been making twin ion engine devices for like a couple years now, just not boats. Because water tends to be quit humid.

[@Corvus.2606]

these arent ion engines, they're ionic thrusters, so that would make this a TIT fighter

[@aiden1015]

Love watching the ion engine evolve. I used to work with electrostatics when I was an engineer at a laser printer company. One of the things that I first found surprising, but then obvious after some thought was how much the environment played a role in getting toner on paper. Humidity, temperature, and altitude all made a considerable impact. Enough so that even your average printer has sensors inside the case to keep track of those variables to adjust the xerographics every time you press print.

[@3DPrinterAcademy]

Your style is so interesting! Tommy Bahama's meets engineering haha

[@jamesbinford7701]

Having designed and constructed many R & D prototypes over the years. I have a genuine admiration for guys that have an obvious talent and natural gift for engineering next gen gizmos . You're very skilled and intellectually aware of the necessary research that is mandatory in order to satisfy the personal specs that your prototypes have to meet in order to satisfy the initial performance expectations. And yes, in all my many days under the sun, I gotta tell ya, that's the tiniest little table saw I've ever seen. But your 3d printer more than makes up for the thing. Fyi: Your Next Gen 3coil thruster body sure does look solid with the additional "Mini-Me Twins"

[@kendric5578]

First, this is super cool. I can't wait to see larger scale models. A question about it being 'silent'. Have you checked this with an oscilloscope or something similar? It might be silent to us, but seems like it could also be producing some very high frequency noise that some animals may be able to hear.

[@Andrey_Gysev]

high freq noise is not really water-penetrateable.

[@Sniperboy5551]

It definitely is producing high frequency noise, you can even hear it in the video.

[@Roman-cz3ws]

Jep is definitely not silent!!!! Der is a massive noise in the ultrasonic range!!!! And I mean not the sparkling. But all in all...lovely cool project 👍

[@sprolyborn2554]

@@Andrey_Gysev my man, that is literally CHIRP sonar. and boat hulls transmit sound.

[@roberthercules3159]

​@@Andrey_Gysevhigher frequencies travel BETTER in water.....ever hear of ultrasound imaging?

[@benlien6021]

this is why i love this channel, 40000V in water.

[@AindriasGames]

Honestly I love how this is in washington and all these places ive seen i like going "oh ive been there" or "oh that looks like a great place to check out" so thanks for these videos with not only information but sights to see

[@gideonsnowdon6913]

Dude this is awesome I love ionic thrust, just found your channel!

[@It-b-Blair]

This is so awesome! Your ingenuity and tenacity are inspirational. I can’t help to think some of those sparks during water testing were mosquitoes 😜 could be a perk 🤷‍♂️🤪 definitely looking forward to future iterations!

[@guerrillaradio9953]

Let's hope they were mosquitoes. As a former long time resident of Minnesota....kill em all.😈

[@It-b-Blair]

@Karl with a K 🧐

[@dr00ku]

never thought I’d get to see a real TIE vehicle in my lifetime, keep up the excellent work!

[@halukan9728]

i just made the connection between the "TIE" and twin ion engine.. took me only 12 years and your comment...

[@jackgenewtf]

I'm sad though, that the benefit is its silence. I've always loved the noise made by TIE fighters (in space, ironically).

[@datoaster4991]

The TIE Catamaran

[@Uzarran]

Should have used solar panels for power to complete the look.

[@DreadEnder]

I prefer Twin ion Thrusters (TIT)

[@smartcarfor2]

The sound of zaps was kind of cool! Can’t wait to see how this goes as it gets scaled up!

[@brazilianmonk7670]

Dude your a freaking badass scientist. What the hell a plasma boat, your a freaking genius. This is the content that inspires the young generation. I hope you mentor people and show them what's possible if you use your brain.

[@BootlegHuman]

Would be curious to see the comparison of this versus a catamaran using two piezoelectric fans in terms of noise, power and turning

[@jesver2602]

Just a thought. But by using bernoulli's principle/venturi effect, adding a longer tapered end might help with creating higher air velocity. Since you are moving the same amount of air through a smaller opening it could speed up the airflow.

[@AlexJoneses]

sure but thats for converting a high pressure low velocity flow to a low pressure high velocity flow, that might not apply here

[@jesver2602]

@@AlexJoneses True but the higher velocity flow also has higher kinetic energy. With the added nozzle aiming the flow becomes easier, that may prove useful later down the line: steering, thrust reversing, pitch or yaw control. Just some ideas.

[@thierrymad9743]

Well for a boat, you should look at water ion thruster.

[@Steve_Coates]

​@@thierrymad9743 Several people have already covered magnetohydrodynamic drive with models from speedboats to submarines.

[@GordieGii]

It's not about the velocity, per se, it's about the mass of the air per unit time. You want the least constriction possible. That's why air boats have a huge propeller and no ducting.

[@varietasVeritas]

Nice. RC boat and bug zapper all in one!

[@Saporling]

Whenever you drop a new ion video I just wanna watch it, love that it goes into something practical as well. Maybe worth just controlling the steering with a rudder and just let the thrusters deal with the speed?

[@karol30660]

Many people don't realize how far sound can travel in and on water. Also how dangerous sound pressure can be there. It's crazy

[@mattsez2879]

dont tap on a fish tank!!!...lol

[@matjazwalland903]

For your engines, I would suggest making jet panels for air concentration, like jet planes have. Where the exhaust diameter is reduced for more thrust. In terms of humidity, all you have to do is make air filters in front of the engine out of some kind of woven mesh so that you don't kill more insects.

[@tomshepherd4901]

It's self propelled with now moving parts and it kills mosquitos! 😁

[@TheMexeking]

love the stuff bro. cant wait for the goddamn ionic thruster plane already geeeeeez! Such a hype series

[@hoodoooperator.5197]

Brother, I just wanted to say that YOU are exactly the type of role model that kids today need. Legend. Keep on keeping on 👊

[@PlasmaChannel]

Thank you so much, that means a lot. The world definitely needs a lot of help these days.

[@raydoherty7154]

Great build, I wonder how then it can be scaled up. Great proof of concept.

[@SB-nt9fp]

Awesome demo. You could add two more thrusters facing backwards for reverse. Also, you could put the current thrusters on pivots and steer them as needed.

[@invertedspire6925]

Pretty sure the current dual engine design would allow for vectored thrust without needing to turn the engines, and a thrust reverser would allow for that without adding two more engines either. Probably more reliable to. Hope he adds those.

[@Bosstastical]

the whole idea is 0 moving parts

[@cerberes]

Reverse the polarity??? 🤣

[@ilkerYT]

[@andreydanilchuk8343]

It's work. It's much important for high speed. Very nice idea 👍

[@AlexanderStewart-k2v]

When i was studying electrical engineering . A grad student turned me onto his plasma loudspeaker he made. You just hook up a bunsen burner up to a very large voltage source.Feed a abestose wick that you dip in a beaker of salt water to put salt ions into the flame. Then modulate a sound source thru the high voltage source. The salt ions are what vibrate to make the sound.

[@kennyholmes5196]

I have an idea: Widen the gaps so that the boat takes advantage of the humidity to function. You've got a design optimized for low-humidity air, now you just need to modify it to be optimized for high-humidity air.

[@marcods6546]

I like this idea. My alternative approach would be to install a heater in front of the ion thrusters (literally just some hot wires) that would evaporate the water droplets before entering the ion thruster. But if your idea works, it sounds way more economical!

[@TwinShards]

I like this idea too. This wouldn't be possible as fix 3D printed parts alone but i bet someone could come up with a design that can make tighter or larger gap based of a humidity sensor. The lower the humidity, the closer the components are together. The higher the humidity the larger the gap become.

[@malcomreynolds4103]

that reduces the thrust

[@callmeyang]

Here are some ideas: . Isolate the thruster from humidity. . use existing airflow against a sail or wing . Point thruster other directions, including a sail . Hydrofoil the cat once any of this is working. . Use solar or metal/rust air battery or something similar to deliver power to thrusters without having to charge

[@Mythobeast]

The problem isn't droplets, it's that humid air arcs at a lower voltage than non-humid air.

[@Sensei-jh8yn]

This man will play with 40kV using metal rings like no ones business. Thats pretty metal🔥

[@gp5313]

Can't wait to see this masterpeace in the acual big scale!

[@julienhagen7411]

Very cool video.. Well done!

[@PrebleStreetRecords]

Best part , if she capsizes you've got the magnetohydrodynamic drive from "The Hunt For Red October"! Back of the envelope math with 17gf and 41W gives you about 2% efficiency? That's pretty fantastic for an air-breathing motor.

[@Trojansteel-hh5xd]

Japan actually built on not a sub but boat call the Yamato 1 that use that drive back in 1990's

[@hurricanev6]

This series of videos have been the most exciting thing I've seen on KZbin in a loooong time. It'll be interesting to see how you improve the concept!

[@aristellaikuden1375]

You are the real iron man we needed in life. So flippin cool

[@SeabornNomad]

you may have just built the world's first ion engine powered RC vehicle.... and it's marvelous. i love the reasons why you decided to apply it this way. i could certainly imagine you being able to build a much larger TIE boat, maybe solar powered/assisted?

[@Jadarek]

Byłem tam dawno. Dziękuję za przypomnienie uroków tego miejsca ! 👍👋💐

[@b4by_dr1v3r4]

YES! Such a pleasant surprise with a new video, thanks so much for putting in the effort with these, seriously

[@rowbot5555]

I remember back when i was a child, we were talking about ion drives off in space that would barely push the craft at all, but now we're making lil boats with them!

[@aeneas-rhaejna]

Absolute madman. Amazing

[@hazonku]

that worked out a LOT better than I expected. I thought for sure the humidity would just make it useless but out on semi open water it did fairly well.

[@Wolforce]

I imagine the humidity changes the conductivity of the air? Maybe start with variable distance grids and with time you could automate them depending of the current humidy ( I'm guessing more humidity = more conductivity = bigger distance between the thruster grids) What a journey it has been already though, amazing videos

[@jaythewolf7216]

maybe he can use something like a lattice with joints to expand and contract. to vary the distance on command. kind of like them cartoons with the extending boxing gloves they use. lol

[@GlennHamblin]

Some early humidity sensors used a strand of hair or fiber under slight tension that stretched when they absorbed moisture and shrank when they dried. Perhaps something based on this idea could automatically adjust filament spacing in the engines?

[@RichardBetel]

Electrostatic discharge machining uses sparks to cut steel. Those systems monitor current to manage spark gap width. I think that would work more generally: other factors like temperature, air pressure, and voltage would already be accounted for if you aim for constant current. If you start with humidity, you’d need a bunch of other sensors and correction factors.

[@Dunge0n]

This might be why some UFOs are reported making their own mist or gas around their hulls. If they fly via ionization, it could explain why some look like solid ovals or saucers of light.

[@GlennHamblin]

@@RichardBetel I imagine there is quite a difference between cutting steel in a dielectric fluid and moving ions in air.

[@k-boi-501]

that diesel boat and airboat had such a sexy sound! the airboat sounded better than most cars out there!!

[@MberEnder]

This could be the coolest noiseless dest fan ever.

[@GlennHamblin]

I really want to follow your progress on these thrusters. I think they are awesome. You have definitely created something that "Sparks" this old man's curiosity! Thanks!⚡

[@billyheng4824]

increasing the size of the input could help to optimize the thruster. This would allow the catamaran to inhale more air, which would then be expelled out the back, creating thrust. This could potentially increase the speed of the catamaran.hope to see this in you next version being implement GOOD LUCK !!!

[@RealJustLaw]

Great project!

[@abbeyoneworld]

You forgot to whisper some magic word to your printer this time.. 😂😂 Nice work as always ❤❤❤

[@erik.albrecht]

This is awesome! Just a tip, use a spacer block on your saw fence. Having the metal against the fence when you’re cutting that way could cause kickback. The spacer block will keep the measurements the same without the danger of the piece getting bound with the fence. Keep up the awesome work!

[@agn855]

Thought exactly the same. This is an amazing channel but would love to see him checking out a basic woodworking table saw tutorial. Even those tiny Proxon table saws can cut off fingers in a fraction of a second.

[@alanvcraig]

@@agn855 Everyone on YT who uses a table saw is an expert who doesn't need guards ;-)

[@charlesincharge.5161]

The team work makes the dream work. Good job great video. 📡👽🇺🇸 RUN!!!

[@georgemathieson6097]

Just wanna say, you're a LOT more genuine these days - it's great to see!

[@daniellewis984]

Curious if there's a way to use vortexing to accelerate thrust. You're largely already 3d printing, so the problem seems to exist in the complexity of understanding the fluid mechanics.

[@scferro]

Or a nozzle

[@mikeconnery4652]

Another great idea

[@Franckie.G]

Incredible project! The concept of using ionic thrust to power a boat is truly groundbreaking and has the potential to revolutionize marine transportation. The silent operation and zero-emission nature of this technology are particularly impressive. However, as with any pioneering technology, there’s always room for improvement. Here are a few suggestions: .1 Humidity Resistance: The thrusters’ performance was significantly affected by humidity. To combat this, consider using a hydrophobic coating such as a nano-coating spray on the thruster components. Also, consider integrating a small Peltier dehumidifier system within the thruster assembly. These are compact, lightweight, and can effectively reduce the humidity in enclosed spaces. You could also design a 3D printed casing for the thrusters using a water-resistant material like PETG, which could include a small compartment for silica gel packets to absorb moisture. 2. Thrust Efficiency: To increase the thrust, consider using a high-frequency, high-voltage power supply. This could potentially generate more ions and thus increase thrust. You could also experiment with different electrode materials and designs. For instance, tungsten or graphite electrodes might provide better performance due to their high melting points and good electrical conductivity. Using a 3D printer, you could easily create electrodes with larger surface areas or unique shapes that might generate more ions. For instance, a comb-like structure could potentially increase the ion output. 3. Reverse Thrust Capability: To add reverse capability, consider designing a mechanical system that physically reverses the orientation of the thrusters. This could be achieved using a servo motor controlled by a microcontroller like an Arduino. You could 3D print the necessary mounts and linkages to connect the servo to the thrusters. Alternatively, you could use a Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) switch to reverse the polarity of the voltage applied to the thrusters, reversing the direction of the ion flow. 4. Renewable Energy Sources: To extend the boat’s operating time, consider incorporating a hybrid energy system combining solar panels and a small wind turbine. This would provide power in a wider range of conditions. You could 3D print a custom mount to securely attach the solar panels and the wind turbine to the boat. Also, consider using a more energy-dense battery technology, like lithium-polymer, to extend the operation time. 5. Safety Measures: For safety, consider using a fuse or a circuit breaker in your power supply circuit to prevent overcurrent situations. Also, consider using a Residual Current Device (RCD) or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) to protect against electric shock. Consider 3D printing a well-insulated, waterproof housing for the high-voltage components. This would protect against both electric shock and water damage. Also, consider integrating a voltage indicator or a warning light that alerts when the system is powered on. 6. Hull Design: Consider using a hydrodynamic simulation software like OpenFOAM or CAESES to optimize the hull design. This could help reduce drag and increase stability. You could then use these optimized designs as a basis for your 3D printed hull. You could also experiment with adjustable hull features, like a retractable keel, to adapt to different water conditions. 7. Lightweight Materials: Consider using advanced composite materials like carbon fiber or Kevlar for the boat’s construction. These materials are lightweight yet extremely strong and durable. They can be molded into complex shapes, making them suitable for both the hull and the thrusters. For parts that can be 3D printed, consider using lightweight but strong materials like PLA+ or PETG. For parts requiring extra strength, consider using a carbon fiber-infused filament. 8. Modular Design: Consider designing the boat in a modular way, where components like the thrusters, power supply, and control systems can be easily replaced or upgraded. This would allow for easier maintenance and the ability to upgrade the boat as technology advances. You could 3D print custom mounts and brackets to make the components easily removable. Your passion is truly inspiring, and I can’t wait to see how this project evolves.

[@rsnmgamer9963]

somebody pin this guy

[@lucasalviani3756]

Such a great comment, this are all valid points, give him more likes!

[@mikeconnery4652]

Excellent ideas

[@octaviasaenz6666]

"Uuuughhhh i made a flyswatter boat" 😂 this was great. the production on ur videos is top notch

[@JesseHires]

Cool stuff. Felt like a tour of my neighborhood. I live in the main road between Molbak's and Hobbytown.

[@shoottherunner8008]

What happens if you used water as the thrust fluid, instead of air? There's plenty of ions in sea water and it would resist the spark breakdown as well as having more mass.

[@st170ish]

Hmmmm sounds familiar... Clive Cussler Novel series The Oregon Files

[@Weromano]

You are correct about that being a suitable alternative, in fact that has been done already. Idk why they didn’t mention it in this vid even once.

[@delphicdescant]

@@Weromano Could you be specific about who has done it before and for what boat? I'd like to know more.

[@benjaminmiller3620]

@@delphicdescant en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetohydrodynamic_drive#Marine_propulsion

[@mathieudu40]

MHD ?

[@smallfoxx]

This is really cool to see a practical example of this in use. One Sci-Fi note, this seems to basically be an air version of the caterpillar drive used in the Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy which is essentially the same in water.

[@lazarus2691]

The caterpillar drive in the book was just a pump-jet. The film changed it to a magnetohydrodynamic drive, which is a real technology first demonstrated on a full scale boat just two years after the film came out: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamato_1

[@MrSpinmeout88]

Just a thought. Have you tried testing your air velocity with a nozzle restriction to see if you can find a happy medium between thrust performance and airflow restriction? Love the concept, don't love the arcing going on around water, bit too scary. Have fun!

[@ragamuffinthepollywog]

Something to bear in mind is that the thrusters would be encased in a housing unit within the boat, under normal circumstances the humidity would be so much less and even zero. Keep up the amazing work.

[@crazyrayuk36]

Great video, nice work. I remember someone a university I think making a model submarine that ran on ionic thrust. Just thought finding out how they delt with the water being it's submerged might be helpful. Looking forward to more video's from you 😊

[@HereticalKitsune]

Super good progress! Hope you can make this bigger at some point!

[@AbhijithasAbhijith]

Super work

[@brianevans6423]

Brother you deserve 10 million subs, just found your channel and I am completely enthralled by the science here!! You're gonna change the world one day dude.

[@PlasmaChannel]

Thank you, that means a lot. I’m honored you’re part of the plasma Fam.

[@bunnyfufu9933]

I can see the ion thruster working really well in space ❤

[@daniel4647]

They've been used for that for some time now. According to NASA the first one they launched was in 2007, and over a hundred GPS satellites are currently using them. NASA's design though, not this one.

[@sepg5084]

This is freakin dope 👌 ionic thrusters 👽🚀 Instead of 2 parallel thrusters with 3 stages each, maybe 3 parallel thrusters with 2 stages each might be better. The number of serial stages seems to have diminishing returns. Also, what happens if you build a 3 stage thruster but only have 1 inlet. Basically seal the subsequent stages so that air only comes from the front, non from the sides.

[@timsawyer9231]

Check to see if the larger one has the same problem with humidity, if not, use 1 big thruster with a micro servo and flaps like a fan boat to steer. It'll make setting it up super easy and might even reduce the weight considering you will have 3 less step-up transformers in the boat. You may need to change the hull to a flat bottom though.. Screw it build 2! haha

[@Aikano9]

Can’t you just use a slightly bigger servo to change the direction the thruster is pointing?

[@Nau-Tec]

Well done project! Would be curious to see how the propulsion would be affected if the air stream of the ion engines would directly guided in to the water. Converting the system basically to a water jet motor.

[@justinbecker4772]

I recognize that hobbytown! Didn't expect to see RTC in a video.

[@Iridiumalchemist]

I think that could dramatically improve this project by optimizing things like thrust to power input. If the accounting you gave around 7:45 is correct, full power delivers only marginal improvements in thrust. There is likely an optimal wattage and voltage and laying out the thrust curve for this device would be an interesting video in and of itself. In addition, other improvements like nozzling airflow towards the output will give you better directed thrust. Having several small optimized ion thrusters will produce significantly better results that having one large unoptimized thruster. Additionally, it will allow you to control directionality without the addition of moving parts by reducing thrust to a particular thruster.

[@dangerousfables]

I was thinking about putting glitter on it.

[@Soheil-ev6ls]

As a side note, diminished airspeed on higher power input is expected, due to kinetic energy following a curve. So yes, slower is more efficient.

[@claudemontezin911]

You have a dream-life my friend! You have quite a few amazing skills and brand new tools at your disposal. My dad was a machinist and would have dreamed of what you do.The history of science if filled with bold trailblazers like you and your friends. Best wishes!

[@yanivmatza]

Love your ideas and video. I would spray all lines on the ionic device you made with clear coat spray like liqueur from home center to crest protective coat for shortening like you experienced. Few coat will be enough to seal it with minimum weight gain.

[@AllBeingsAreLoveAmen]

Seems like you should make it waterproof and reduce sparking noise. If only it went faster. Cool build.

[@alderin1]

When I was experimenting with ionic lifters back in the late 1990's, the method to reduce arcing due to humidity was to separate the fields more. With your modular design, you could probably build a proportional servo system so each thruster could expand until the arcing is stopped. I'm envisioning a scissor-lift style arrangement that keeps proportions but only needs one actuator. Otherwise, great work! Hope this helps!

[@SonsOfLorgar]

What about using rotating threaded axles to connect the sections with each section riding the threads of one axle and having sliding bushing guides around the others with the axles geared to eachother to expand and contract the thruster array with their differential rotation?

[@JeremyStreich]

He seemed to be looking for no moving parts solution.... But with that in mind, he could expand the distance with Muscle Wire. I know that still "moving" but it isn't mechanical movement that causes sound.

[@mjodr]

I'm so glad you did a catamaran. It's really the ideal shape most of the time.

[@krishnasable6593]

This is super video and I love this

[@andiralosh2173]

Low humidity, so it'd be really great in say... Arizona Love your work, keep innovating!

[@Afrotechmods]

I love all your ion thruster videos. I feel like someone in Hollywood could draw inspiration from them doing CG for spaceships.

[@multiarray2320]

you have not uploaded a video in years :/

[@brianlee8104]

​@@multiarray2320 😢 yeah he didn't!

[@zeebeefpv2273]

Put the Spektrum and into mode2 so the throttle is on the left stick, then remove the spring tension so you can set it and it stays there. You have to change the mix and output range in the radio but youll like it better I promise.

[@jeroenvandend]

I understood 'now i need to sink the boat with the remote' glad that wasn't a prediction :D

[@Penultimeat]

Taking a mosquito zapper to the source! I like it!

[@AerialWaviator]

Great work Jay, EPIC results! Since you and Daniel are so good on the collaboration thing, suggest you two make an ionic airship. Maybe the folks at Climate Plage Arena would let you do some indoor testing. Just use helium, not hydrogen. ;) If all goes well testing, could fly it around the Space Needle!

[@parsonsenergy]

Good idea but hydrogen under modest pressure is not an explosive issue… as long as the pressure is above atmospheric.. it can also act as a reservoir to pass through a fuel cell to power the electrostatic thrusters…

[@narayanancn8831]

Diy perks and plasma channel uploading video today❤❤❤

[@Human_01]

Thank yoooou, Matrix! 🙏🤩✨

[@HawaiianKong]

Neat concept. Preachy af video.

[@jerorgb4269]

i swear i thought it was a TIE Fighter but ended up even more impressive

[@shaggybaggums]

More of a TIE Floater really.

[@jerorgb4269]

@@shaggybaggums indeed

[@andymuzzo8568]

Awesome. Great idea for this collaboration. And what an awesome build.

[@RetreatHacker]

Just found your channel. So impressed! ...also inspired 😊 side note... immuh swith over to onshape

[@kayumust]

pretty cool ! i hope you can show us v.2 soon !

[@milespeterson5049]

The Next step would be to make an Ionic Thrust Drone, completely noiseless, very cool and I would love to see that in the future.