Ferroelectric Thrust Circuit Using Parametric Voltage Amplification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerospace propulsion technologies rely on expelling propellant mass, whereas the Mach effect allows for inducing large rest mass fluctuations in electrical circuit components to produce thrust without material expulsion, but existing methods are complex and require multiple phase-locked voltage waveforms or special materials.
Innovation Solution
The method employs parametric amplification using a combination of constant (DC) and alternating (AC) voltage signals to produce high-amplitude, correctly phase-locked voltages for driving ferroelectric materials, and utilizes pulsed AC voltage waveforms to maximize thrust by leveraging switching transients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If multiple phase-locked voltage waveforms are used to drive ferroelectric transducers, then thrust production is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple voltage waveform functions into a single driving signal by using parametric amplification. The single AC voltage waveform at frequency f modulates the capacitance of the ferroelectric material, which generates both the fundamental frequency response and the necessary second harmonic (2f) components through the nonlinear electrostrictive effect, eliminating the need for separate phase-locked waveforms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the ferroelectric material by applying a time-varying voltage that modulates the capacitance at frequency f. This parameter modulation exploits the nonlinear electrostrictive relationship between voltage and mechanical strain, automatically generating the required frequency components and phase relationships through the material's inherent nonlinearities
2Force
If continuous AC voltage is applied to ferroelectric materials, then rest mass fluctuation is produced, but thrust magnitude is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed AC voltage waveforms instead of continuous voltage application. The pulsed nature creates transient switching events that generate large rates of change in power (dP/dt), producing significantly enhanced rest mass fluctuations and thrust magnitudes during each pulse cycle while maintaining the necessary periodicity for stationary force generation
3Ease of operation
If simple AC voltage signal is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but thrust magnitude is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a DC bias voltage to the ferroelectric material before applying the AC voltage signal. This preliminary DC bias establishes an optimal operating point on the nonlinear electrostrictive curve, pre-conditioning the material to respond more strongly to the subsequent AC signal and generate larger rest mass fluctuations and thrust without complicating the overall operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach simplifies the production of large thrusts by optimizing rest mass fluctuations and mechanical excitations within ferroelectric materials, achieving stationary forces without moving parts and reducing operational complexity, with potential for higher thrusts and improved practical utility.
Implementation Method 1
Mach's principle and local Lorentz invariance together yield the prediction of rest mass fluctuations in objects that are accelerating and simultaneously undergoing changes in their internal energy states
Implementation Method 2
One is the use of parametric amplification to achieve high amplitude, correctly phase-locked voltages of correct frequencies to activate the transducer by the simple addition of a constant (DC) voltage to the alternating (AC) voltage of a single frequency driving signal
Implementation Method 3
The first Mach effect depends on the rate of change of power [dP/dt], and the largest rate of change is produced in switching transients. So switching the AC signal produces much larger transient thrusts than the continuous application of a simple AC signal
Implementation Method 4
If the ferroelectric material is piezoelectric, the mechanical oscillation takes place at the frequency of the applied voltage
Implementation Method 5
If it is purely electrostrictive, then the mechanical oscillation takes place at twice the frequency of the applied voltage, for electrostrictors respond to the square of the applied voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A method of producing accelerations without ejecting any material exhaust which relies on inducing mass fluctuations in conventional electrical circuit components and combining them with a mechanically coupled periodic thrust to produce propulsive forces without the ejection of any propellant. Ferroelectric force transducers, in particular, piezoelectric transducers, are driven by at least two phase-locked voltage waveforms so that the rest mass fluctuation and mechanical excursion needed to produce a stationary thrust are both produced in the transducer itself. Parametric amplification is used to achieve high amplitude, correctly phase-locked voltages of correct frequencies to activate the transducer by the simple addition of a DC voltage to the AC voltage of a single frequency driving signal. The driving voltage waveforms may be pulsed to maximize the thrust and reduce the duty cycle of the active components of the system.