Lifter PDF

High efficiency Lifter based on the Biefeld-Brown effect
Moshe Einat and Roy Kalderon
Citation: AIP Advances 4, 077120 (2014); doi: 10.1063/1.4890353

View online: http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4890353
View Table of Contents: http://scitation.aip.org/content/aip/journal/adva/4/7?ver=pdfcov
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AIP ADVANCES 4, 077120 (2014)
High efficiency Lifter based on the Biefeld-Brown effect

Moshe Einat and Roy Kalderon
Faculty of Engineering, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
(Received 21 April 2014; accepted 3 July 2014; published online 14 July 2014)
The Biefeld-Brown is a fascinating effect with which levitation can be reached

without moving or rotating elements. Static voltage is applied between asymmetric
electrodes and a force towards the small electrode is generated. This effect is studied
experimentally in this paper. Using this effect a set of experiments is conducted trying
to clarify the relation of the model geometry to the induced force. The results show
clear relations of the generated force to the model structure and dimensions. As the
asymmetry is stronger, the force is stronger. According to the experimental results, a
set of preferred parameters is given to strength the effect. Choosing the geometrical
properties properly led to improvement of factor 9 in the generated force and
efficiency. Nevertheless, some results provides contradictions to earlier models of
electrohydrodynamicmic (EHD) describing the effect and reveal unresolved questions
regarding this effect. C 2014 Author(s). All article content, except where otherwise
noted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.

[http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4890353]
I. INTRODUCTION
Although the Biefeld-Brown effect was discovered over 80 years ago,1 only limited number
of publications were published in the scientific literature describing it. This effect occurs when a
device with two asymmetric electrodes is connected to a few kV voltage. A force is obtained pushing
the device towards the small electrode, regardless of the voltage polarity. Levitation can easily be
obtained without any moving parts. The scientific attention drowned to explain this fascinating effect
was very little for many years. But unlike other effects, building a setup demonstrating this effect can
be done by rather simple means. Therefore, at the recent years many amateurs built a home-made
setup and uploaded a youtube movie demonstrating the effect with the nickname Lifter. Most of
the physicists and engineers seeing these movies are first fascinated by it, and then categories it as
some kind of either photomontage or magician trick. But with some patient, after watching many of
these movies, ones healthy curiosity must rise. They cant all be fraud. So we have decided to check
it out in laboratory conditions and perform a controlled experiment. First, a levitating model was
built imitating models seen in the movies. After few failure models, indeed the fascinating effect
of levitation without any moving parts was obtained in the lab.2 Two asymmetric electrodes fixed
on balsa wood sticks, connected to a voltage power supply were levitating in a stable manner as
described in details below.
Scientific literature exploration showed that the theory describing this effect is still immature.
Early ideas suggested different explanations of unknown physics, but recent works rejected these
ideas and described the force as an outcome result of ion wind,38 an electrohydrodynamicmic (EHD)
effect. Few experiments were carried out to support these theories and fair agreement between the
theoretical prediction and the experiments was reported for the described setup. NASA has shown an
interest in this effect in several reports, and in Ref. 9 from 2004 it is stated that there is surprisingly
little experimental or theoretical data explaining this effect. Another recent comprehensive work
was done in NASA10 at 2009, in order to examine whether this effect could be scaled to values of
interest for aircraft propulsion.
In this experimental study, parametric measurements were done trying to relate the generated
driving force of the Biefeld-Brown effect to the structure of the model. Such experimental results
2158-3226/2014/4(7)/077120/20 4, 077120-1
C Author(s) 2014
077120-2 M. Einat and R. Kalderon AIP Advances 4, 077120 (2014)
FIG. 1. The lifter arrangement. A General schematic (a), and a picture of the experimental device (b).
TABLE I. The parameters of the lifter.
Lifter parameter Value
Aluminum foil width 2 cm.

Triangle side length 21 cm.
Distance between the Copper wire and the aluminum foil 3 cm.
Copper wire diameter 0.133 mm
Aluminum foil thickness 0.03 mm.
total model weight 1.72 g
may help understanding the nature of the force, and even reveal ways to maximize the effect. Indeed,
such relations between the model structure and the generated driving force were experimentally
found as described further on. Also, some contradictions to the earlier suggested EHD models are
found experimentally.
II. PRELIMINARY EXPERIMENT DEMONSTRATING A LEVITATING MODEL WITHOUT

MOVING PARTS
In order to demonstrate the levitation effect a model was built from balsa wood, aluminum foil
and copper wire as seen in Fig. 1. The parameters of the model are in Table I.
A high voltage power supply with changeable polarity and digital readings of the voltage and
current (Spellman SL1200) was connected to the model as seen in Fig. 1(a). The connection of the
power supply was done in four different ways (Table II):
TABLE II. Circuit configurations.
(1) (2) (3) (4)

V(kV) P(W) V(kV) P(W) V(kV) P(W) V(kV) P(W)
Takeoff 16.65 2.83 17.64 3.18 20.19 6.66 17.89 5.01

Minimum needed 16.19 2.42 17.41 2.96 18.72 4.31 17.37 4.17
for levitation
1) The copper wire was connected to a positive high voltage and the aluminum foil was connected
to the ground.
2) The copper wire was connected to a negative high voltage and the aluminum foil was connected
to the ground.
3) The copper wire connected to the ground and the aluminum foil was connected to a positive
high voltage.
4) The copper wire connected to the ground and the aluminum foil was connected to a negative
high voltage.
The results were interesting. One could think that if a certain polarity will lift the model, the
opposite polarity will push it down. The results showed different. Both polarities caused force
upwards. This result reinforce results in a report made in NASA,9 although it is mentioned in this
reference that in certain conditions the forced direction was reversed. We did not see reversal of the
force as will be detailed in the following experiments. Also, for the same polarity the location of the
ground was important. When the ground was connected to the foil (for both polarities) the levitation
was obtained in much lower power and voltage.
In every configuration the minimal voltage and power needed for takeoff of the lifter,
and the minimal voltage and power to keep the levitation were measured. The experimental re-
sults are given in Table II. The minimal flight and levitation voltage and power were obtained
when the copper wire was connected to a positive voltage and the aluminum foil was grounded
(connection # 1).
Already at the end of this experiment a clear observation is made: this device creates a wind
downwards (in all four connections). It is easily felt and seen. To demonstrate it small objects were
placed in the device vicinity and the generated wind blow them away. Also a smell is noticed that
can be related to ionization. Experienced experimentalist indicated that it is the smell of Ozone, but
it was not further checked.
III. PARAMETRIC EXPERIMENTS

Although the levitation configuration is fascinating, it is not convenient for the exploration of the
effect. Aside from the minimal voltage for takeoff and minimal voltage for maintaining levitation,
recording continuous data as a function of the voltage increment is difficult. Therefore, a model
with reversed configuration was built. In this model the small electrode was placed in the bottom
and the large electrode was placed above. As a result, the force in this model operates downwards.
We named it Pressing model. The model was placed on a digital scale and measurements of
the weight were continually taken for varying voltage. Several experiments were done with the
Pressing model, trying to identify the relation between the device structure and the obtained
weight. First, the influence of the electrodes gap was checked for various dimensions of the small
electrode, and then systematic modification of the structure was done by adding elements. Following
is the experiments description followed by the results. General dimensions of the models are in
Table III.
TABLE III. General dimensions of the models.
Copper wire Distance between the copper Foil width Foil height
Model thickness [mm] wire and the foil [cm] [cm] [cm]
Levitating 0.133 3 21 2
Pressing 1 0.133 Changing 26 3
Pressing 2 0.133 2.5 26 Changing
Ruggedized pressing Changing 2.5 26 3.5
FIG. 2. Arrangement of pressing model 1 with changeable distance between the copper wire and the foil.
Experiment #1 Electrodes gap influence (Fig. 2)

The first experiment is intended to check the influence of the electrodes gap on the generated
force. The Pressing model #1 was built from Balsa wood and set on a scale with an accuracy of
0.01g. A ruler was placed on the side of the model for determining the distance between the copper
wire and the aluminum foil. A copper wire was stretched between two holders located on both sides
of the model, enabling a distance changing between the copper wire and the foil. The copper wire
was connected to a positive high voltage and the aluminum foil was connected to the ground, the
voltage was changed gradually and readings of the current and weight were taken.
The experimental results are seen in Figs. 3 and 4. As clearly seen, for shorter gap a greater
weight is measured in the same voltage and power. However, the maximal possible weight without
breakdown was not obtained for the shorter gap as well.
Experiment #2 adding small electrodes (Fig. 5).
This experiment and the following one are intended to check the influence of each electrode
on the generated force. Four copper wires with a 0.133 mm diameter were added gradually and
stretched at a distance of 2.5 cm from the aluminum foil. The copper wires were connected to a
positive high voltage and the aluminum foil was connected to the ground. The voltage was changed
gradually and readings of the current and weight were taken.
The experimental results are given in Fig. 6. Adding copper wires significantly reduced the
measured weight. In addition, compering the weight for a certain voltage of 25.3 kV (Fig. 7), it is
seen that the weight dependency in the number of copper wires is approximately linearly decreasing.
Experiment #3 Adding big electrodes (Fig. 8)
This experiment is complementary to the previous one. It is intended to check the influence of
the big electrode on the generated force. The setup of this experiment is seen in Fig. 8. Four big
electrodes were built close to each other. Copper wire with a 0.133 mm thickness was stretched at a
distance of 2.5 cm from the big electrodes. The copper wire was connected to a positive high voltage
FIG. 3. Weight dependence on the voltage for various gaps between the copper wire (0.133 mm) and the aluminum foil.
FIG. 4. Weight dependence on the voltage for various gaps between the copper wire (0.133 mm) and the aluminum foil.
supply and the aluminum foils were connected to the ground. The voltage was changed gradually
and readings were taken.
The experimental results of this experiment are seen in Fig. 9, adding foils significantly increased
the measured weight. As will be seen later on, the weight dependency on the number of foils is
approximately linear.
Experiment #4 Changing distance between big electrodes (Fig. 10)
In view of the last experiment, an hypothesis was made that the significant factor related to
the generated force increment is the fact that the 4 big electrodes induce a larger volume with
approximately uniform potential. So, another setup was made to imitate this situation but with only
two electrodes, where the distance between them is changed.
The setup of this experiment is seen in Fig. 10. The model includes two foils of Balsa wood
covered with a thin aluminum foil. Copper wire with a 0.133 mm thickness was stretched at a
distance of 2.5 cm from the aluminum foils. The copper wire was connected to the varying high
positive voltage and the aluminum foils were connected to the ground. The distance between the
two foils was changed in steps. The setup was set on a scale and the voltage was increased gradually
while reading from the scale were taken.
FIG. 5. Arrangement of multiple wires pressing model experiment. General schematic (a), and a picture of the measured
device (b).
FIG. 6. Weight dependence of number of wires.
FIG. 7. Weight dependence on number of wires at 25.3 kV.
FIG. 8. Arrangement of multiple foils pressing model experiment. a) General schematic, and b) Picture of the measured
device.
FIG. 9. Weight dependence of number of foils in Inversed lifter.
2.66cm
5.33cm
8cm
FIG. 10. Arrangement of pressing model 2 with changing the distance between two foils.
The experimental results of this experiment are seen in Fig. 11. Changing the distance between
the foils did not cause a significant change of the results. This result is quite surprising. The force
is not depended on the potential map but it seems to be depended on the number (or area) of big
electrodes. So, the following experiments were aimed to clarify or reject this understanding, as
described below.
Experiment #5 changing the big electrodes height (Fig. 12)
The setup in this experiment is seen in Fig. 12. In this setup, the big electrode height was
changed (3.5 cm, 7 cm, and 10.5 cm). The rest of the parameters were kept as before. This setup
was chosen because although the area of the big electrode is significantly changed in this setup, the
change in the potential map between the electrodes is rather small. So if the results depends on the
variations of the potential map a minor difference in the results is expected.
The results of this experiment are seen in Fig. 13. It is clearly seen that enlarging the height of
the foil increased the weight applied on the scale. Again, a dependence on the large electrode area
is obtained even when the potential map is almost the same. This result encouraged us to design
another experiment to support or reject this conclusion, as described in the next experiment.
Experiment #6 big electrode with and without slots (Fig. 14)
FIG. 11. Weight dependence of the distance between two foils.
The setup of this experiment is seen in Fig. 14. The model was built on the basis of the former
experiment, but slots were made to the big electrode foil (10.5 cm hight). In this way a reduction of
the electrode area is obtained but the potential map and the outer dimensions remains with minor
variations. The rest of the experimental parameters were remained. The experimental results are seen
in Fig. 15. A significantly reduction in the weight was recorded in the slotted model measurement.
In this experiment the former conclusion is reinforced: the weight is depended on the area of the
big electrode, and a major change is possible even when the potential map between the electrodes
remains unchanged.
Experiment #7 Horizontal big electrode with changing width (Fig. 16).
The setup in this experiment is seen in Fig. 16. A model was built with horizontal big electrode
with a different width (3.5 cm and 7 cm). the copper wire was starched at a distance of 2.5 cm below
the big electrode. The experiments were done is a similar manner to the former experiments. The
objective here is to see if the big electrode must be vertical or not. Such a claim is related to the
wind effect, since a vertical electrode does not block the wind and horizontal electrode blocks the
wind.
The results of this experiment are seen in Fig. 17. It is seen that horizontal electrode also works
well, and again increasing the width of the horizontal foil increases the measured weight applied on
the scale. However, in this model the potential map also have a certain change.
It should be noted that a levitating model with horizontal big electrode was also built and it did
levitate as well.
Experiment #8 ruggedized device (Fig. 18)
During the experiments, we have noticed small vibrations of the foil and the wire together
with some fluctuations on the readings. This effect led us to conducting the experiment again for
the second time with ruggedized model that is less sensitive to these fluctuations. The setup in
this experiment is seen in Fig. 18. This model was built from Perspex and four aluminum pieces
replaced the foils. Copper wire with a 0.133 mm thickness was stretched at a distance of 2.5 cm
from the aluminum pieces. It was stretched stronger since the Perspex did not collapse like the
Balsa did. The copper wire was connected to the high voltage and the aluminum pieces were
grounded.
The experimental results of this experiment are seen in Fig. 19. Indeed more stable results
were measured and therefore the fluctuations can be related to the delicate nature of the former
models. The results of adding big electrodes experiment clearly repeated in this model as well.
However, another impressive result is the comparison between the two experiments (balsa model
versus ruggedized model). The measured weight in much higher for the ruggedized model in the
FIG. 12. Arrangement of the pressing model 2 experiment with foils height change. a) 3.5 cm high, b) 7 cm high, and c)
10.5 cm high.
FIG. 13. Weight dependence of the height of foils.
FIG. 14. Arrangement of the pressing model 2 experiment with foil a 10.5 cm height. a) Without slots, and b) With slots.
FIG. 15. Weight dependence of the foil with or without slots.
FIG. 16. Arrangement of the pressing model 2 experiment with changing the width of a horizontal foil. (a) Width of 3.5 cm,
and (b) Width of 7 cm.
FIG. 17. Weight dependence of the horizontal foil width.
FIG. 18. Ruggedized multiple foils pressing model experiment.
FIG. 19. Weight dependence of number of foils in ruggedized Inversed Lifter.
FIG. 20. Arrangement of ruggedized pressing model experiment with changing thickness of the copper wire. (a) general
schematic, and (b) a picture of the measured device.
same conditions of voltage and dimensions. Clearly ruggedizing the device increased the weight.
Comparison of the models is further presented in the discussion paragraph.
Experiment #9 changing copper wire thickness (Fig. 20)
The setup in this experiment is seen in Fig. 20. Using the ruggedized model described above,
the influence of the Copper wire thickness was measured. Experiments with different Copper wires
were made having a thickness of 0.133 mm, 0.17mm, or 1mm. The copper wire was connected to
the positive high voltage and reading were taken. The experimental results of this experiment are
seen in Fig. 21 and 22.
The results in this experiments is opposite to the result with the big electrode. As the small
electrode become smaller the weight increase. Since the position of the different wires is the same,
again there is no change in the potential map in the gap. However, the field in close proximity to the
small electrode is higher, as will be discussed in the discussion.
Experiment #10 ruggedized device with polarization reversal (Fig. 23)
The setup in this experiment is seen in Fig. 23. The effect of the polarization was checked on
the ruggedized model. The experiment was conducted in four forms (in a similar manner to the
levitating model):
FIG. 21. Weight dependence of the copper wire thickness.
FIG. 22. Weight dependence of the copper wire thickness.
(1) The copper wire was connected to a positive high voltage, and the Aluminum pieces were
connected to the ground.
(2) The copper wire was connected to a negative high voltage, and the Aluminum pieces were
connected to the ground.
(3) The copper wire was connected to the ground, and the Aluminum pieces were connected to a
positive high voltage.
(4) The copper wire was connected to the ground, and the Aluminum pieces were connected to a
negative high voltage.
The experimental results are seen in Fig. 24 and 25. As seen, the strongest effect is obtained for
configuration (1), in compatibility to the levitating model experiment.
IV. DISCUSSION
The described experiments leads to some clear understandings:
FIG. 23. Arrangement of ruggedized pressing model experiment with polarization reversal. (a) general schematic, and (b) a
picture of the measured device.
a) This device generates wind that regardless of the voltage polarity always goes towards the big
electrode.
b) The most efficient polarity is where the big electrode is grounded and the small electrode is in
positive voltage.
c) For bigger big electrode and smaller small electrode, higher force is obtained.
d) An interesting understanding that is stemming from several experiments is that for similar
potential map and changed electrode area the force is changed.
e) Vibrations of the electrodes seems to reduce the effect.
In Fig. 26 two of the mentioned effects are seen in a comparative graph. The effect of adding
electrodes for a certain voltage (18.5 kV) is seen for the two pressing models. In both of them, a
clear dependence on the number of big electrodes is seen. Also a similar tendency is seen. But, for
the ruggedized device much higher weight is measured.
FIG. 24. Weight dependence of the polarization.
FIG. 25. Weight dependence of the polarization.
One measured phenomenon related to experiments 3 and 4, should be further discussed. In

experiment #3 big electrodes were added, and in experiment #4 the distance between two big
electrodes was extended. In both of the experiments the map of potentials is similar in the gap
between the small and big electrodes without the ions. What is the reason to the difference in the
results of these experiments? why is the generated force behaved differently? We clearly see that
if there is a larger area to collect the ions the force in increased. This result is repeated in few
experiments, particularly in experiment # 6.
Looking at the various theoretical works3, 7, 10 for the induced force estimation, similar expres-
sions are proposed with minor differences. In these works it is claimed that that basically the lifter
force upwards depends on a volume integral of the current component directed downwards. Accord-
ing to this claim equations are driven to evaluate the thrust force. Eq. 3 at Ref. 3 is formulated as
FIG. 26. Weight dependence of number of foils 18.53 kV.
TABLE IV. measured and calculated force comparison.
F (mN)
device Type N Dia (mm) Gap (cm) I (mA) V (kV) P (W) Mes Calc (N/kW) (N/m2 )
Exp.1 foil (0.03 mm) 1 0.133 2.5 0.03 14.05 0.422 3.43 3.49 8.15 0.53
Fig. 2
Exp.9 plate (0.5 mm) 4 0.133 2.5 0.03 14.34 0.43 31.29 3.49 72.74 4.81
Fig. 20
Exp.9 plate (0.5 mm) 4 1 2.5 0.03 16.4 0.492 7.75 3.49 15.75 1.19
Fig. 20
Table IV notations:
Type: the type of the big electrode
N: number of big electrodes
Dia: diameter of small electrode
Gap: the gap between the electrodes
: Electric efficiency, the ratio of the force to the power, F/P
: Geometric efficiency, the ratio of the force to the area, F/A. The area is taken as the device length (26 cm) multiplied by
estimated width that is equal to the gap between the electrodes (2.5 cm).
follows:
F = P (l/U ) [1/b (1 + )] (1)
where F is the thrust P is the power, l the electrode separation distance, U the applied potential
difference, b the ion mobility (bair = 2.15 104 m2 /V-sec), and the fluid performance parameter
(air = 2 102 ).
Similar but simpler expression is used in Ref. 10 Eq. 14 (also appears in Ref. 7):
F = I d/ (2)
where F is the thrust, I the current, d the gap between the electrodes, and is the ion mobility
(m2 /V-sec).
As seen, the force expressions in these references do not include the size of the big electrode
at all. Calculating the force using Eq. (2) according to our experimental parameters gives the
results detailed in Table IV. Three different experiments having the same current I, the same gap
between the electrodes d, and the same mobility are presented in the table. Because of that, the
calculated result is the same for all the three experiments. The first experiment describes regular
lifter construction, and indeed the calculated result resembles the measured result. Nevertheless, in
the second line (Exp. 9), where the same current and gap are used with similar voltage and power,
but the big electrode is comprised of 4 ruggedized electrodes, the force is 9 times stronger. The
electric conversion efficiency , which is the ratio of the obtained trust to the consumed power is
also 9 times more, reaching 73 N/kW. At the same conditions, the geometrical efficiency ,
which is the ratio of the force to the used area is 9 times more, reaching 4.8 N/m2 . According
to the NASA report at Ref. 10, these numbers reach practical values for aircraft. Moreover, there
are different working points for higher voltage, where higher geometrical efficiency is reached
(7.7 N/m2 ), but on the expense of reducing the electric efficiency (20.7 N/kW). For lower voltage,
the opposite tendency is measured and the electrical efficiency is extended up to 202 N/kW, while the
geometrical efficiency is reduced to 4.1 N/m2 . All these results are much higher than the predicted
by Eq. (2).
Relating to the last line in Table IV, which also refers to Experiment #9, it is seen that the radius
of the small electrode is also important. Although the same current is involved, reducing the small
electrode radius results in reduction of the force and both efficiencies in a factor of 4 in comparison
to the same device with the smaller diameter of the small electrode. That is again, not predicted in
Eq. (2). In view of the results presented here, it seems that these EHD models should be further
developed to include more complicated geometrical structure.
Possible explanation of the results relates to a space charge effect close to the big electrode. The
ions produce a repealing space charge close the big electrode that interfere with the ions collection.
When there is a large area to collect the exhausted ions, they are more easily collected reducing the
space charge. Further research is needed to verify this explanation.
We have also seen that reducing the small electrode diameter also increase the effect. That is
easier to explain, the following explanation is suggested: when the wire diameter is reduced, the
electric field around it is significantly enlarged and the ionization can be increased. In this case the
map of potential around the small electrode is changed.
Another contradiction to former theories is related to experiment #7 with the horizontal electrode.
Ref. 5 claims that . . . when R is infinitely large, which means the ground electrode becomes a flat
plate, the thrust decreases practically to zero. . . . (R stands here for the big electrode curvature
radius). But we saw experimentally the opposite: the effect exists with horizontal electrode as well.
The claim in Ref. 5 is that larger radius R also results in increased resistance for airflow. But
we saw the opposite result. When the big electrode was increased the effect got stronger. So again,
relating to the horizontal electrode, the EHD model in Ref. 5 do not apply. The suggested explanation
for this observation is related to fact that the ions lose energy to the air molecules during all the way
to the big electrode through collisions. After each collision the ion is pulled again and in return pulls
back the lifter. So, energy is transferred regardless of the orientation of the big electrode. Clearly, an
orientation that less interfere the generated wind is preferable, but horizontal electrode still works.
V. CONCLUSION
In this experimental study, parametric measurements of the Biefeld Brown effect were done
relating the generated force to the structure of the model. Clear observations are:
a) Levitating device without any moving/rotating parts is easily obtained in an asymmetric elec-
trodes geometry.
b) The force is always towards the small electrode disregarding the voltage polarity.
c) Wind is obtained towards the big electrode.
d) The size of the electrodes influence the force: smaller small electrode and bigger big electrode
both yields higher force.
e) Structures with similar potential distributions but with different electrode area induce different
forces, related to the electrode area.
The experimental results reveal ways to maximize the effect:
(1) Decreasing the distance between the foil to the copper wire
(2) Narrowing the copper wire diameter,
(3) Increasing the number of foils,

(4) Ruggedizing the device,
(5) Increasing the height of the foil,
(6) Stretching tight the small electrode to avoid vibrations,
(7) Polarity ground to the big electrode and positive voltage to the small electrode are superior.
These experimental results may be the basis to further development of the theoretical EHD
model of this effect.
1 T. T. Brown, A method of and an apparatus or machine for producing force ormotion, British Patent 300311 (1928).
2A youtube movie of the first model levitating in our lab http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EGA4JUssGM.
3 M. Tajmar, BiefeldBrown Effect: Misinterpretation of Corona Wind Phenomena, AIAA Journal 42(2) (2004).
4 L. Zhao and K. Adamiak, EHD flow in air produced by electric corona discharge in pinplate configuration, Journal of
Electrostatics 63, 337350 (2005).

5 Lin Zhao and Kazimierz Adamiak, Numerical analysis of forces in an electrostatic levitation unit, Journal of Electrostatics
63, 729734 (2005).

6 L. Zhao, K. Adamiak, EHD gas flow in electrostatic levitation unit, Journal of Electrostatics 64, 639645 (2006).
7 Reuven Ianconescu, Daniela Sohar, and Moshe Mudrik, An analysis of the Brown- Biefeld effect, Journal of Electrostatics
69, 512521 (2011).

8 Ma Chen, Lu Rong-de, Ye Bang-jiao, Surface aerodynamic model of the lifter, Journal of Electrostatics 71(2), 134139
(2013).
9 Francis X. Canning, Cory Melcher, and Edwin Winet, Asymmetrical Capacitors for Propulsion, NASA, NASA/CR
2004-213312 (2004).
10 Jack Wilson, Hugh D. Perkins, and William K. Thompson, An Investigation of Ionic Wind Propulsion, NASA,
NASA/TM2009-215822 (2009).

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High efficiency Lifter based on the Biefeld-Brown effect

Moshe Einat and Roy Kalderon

Citation: AIP Advances 4, 077120 (2014); doi: 10.1063/1.4890353

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noted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.

TABLE I. The parameters of the lifter.

Lifter parameter Value

Aluminum foil width 2 cm.

II. PRELIMINARY EXPERIMENT DEMONSTRATING A LEVITATING MODEL WITHOUT

TABLE II. Circuit configurations.

(1) (2) (3) (4)

Takeoff 16.65 2.83 17.64 3.18 20.19 6.66 17.89 5.01

III. PARAMETRIC EXPERIMENTS

TABLE III. General dimensions of the models.

Experiment #1 Electrodes gap influence (Fig. 2)

FIG. 6. Weight dependence of number of wires.

FIG. 7. Weight dependence on number of wires at 25.3 kV.

FIG. 9. Weight dependence of number of foils in Inversed lifter.

FIG. 11. Weight dependence of the distance between two foils.

FIG. 13. Weight dependence of the height of foils.

FIG. 15. Weight dependence of the foil with or without slots.

FIG. 17. Weight dependence of the horizontal foil width.

FIG. 18. Ruggedized multiple foils pressing model experiment.

FIG. 19. Weight dependence of number of foils in ruggedized Inversed Lifter.

FIG. 21. Weight dependence of the copper wire thickness.

FIG. 22. Weight dependence of the copper wire thickness.

FIG. 24. Weight dependence of the polarization.

FIG. 25. Weight dependence of the polarization.

One measured phenomenon related to experiments 3 and 4, should be further discussed. In

FIG. 26. Weight dependence of number of foils 18.53 kV.

TABLE IV. measured and calculated force comparison.

(3) Increasing the number of foils,

Electrostatics 63, 337350 (2005).

63, 729734 (2005).

69, 512521 (2011).

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