The Role of Nonlinear Body Force in Electrostatic Propeller Driven by Atmospheric DC Corona Discharges

In this study, the body force generated by atmospheric positive and negative corona discharges were investigated using a wire-cylinder configuration experimentally and numerically. We provided new insight into the atmospheric electric thruster by introducing a nonlinear term in body force constituent the thrust of the system. It was observed that the direction of both body forces and electric winds is always from the wire to the cylinder irrespective of the applied voltage polarity. It was illustrated that the corresponding thrusts and the electric wind of the positive corona are larger than that of the negative corona discharge. We took into account the nonlinear mechanisms to explain the difference in thrust forces in positive and negative corona discharges. To elucidate the origin of the body force in corona discharges, we performed 2-D simulations via COMSOL Multiphysics and MATLAB software. The results of the numerical simulation showed that in addition to the linear body force (Coulomb force) a strong nonlinear body force is generated around the wire electrode that plays a crucial role in corona thrusters. To verify the direction and magnitude of the thrust, a simple theory was proposed based on variable mass systems and confirmed by published experimental works.

Noether’s theorems of variable mass systems on time scales

This paper deals with the Noether’s theory for variable mass system on time scales. The calculus on time scales unifies and extends variable mass system continuous model and discrete model into a single theory. Firstly, Hamilton’s principle of the variable mass system on time scales is given. Secondly, based on the quasi-invariance of the Hamilton’s action under a group of infinitesimal transformations, Noether’s theorem and its inverse theorem of the variable mass system on time scales are presented. Finally, two examples are given to illustrate the applications of the results.