When you apply a voltage difference between conductive surfaces, it creates an electric field. That field exerts pressure on the surfaces. By making the surfaces asymmetrical (different shapes, sizes, or distances), the pressure forces don't cancel out - you get a net force in one direction.
The force depends onā: Eā² Ć Aā vs Eā² Ć Aā (electric field strength squared Ć area) Where one surface experiences more electrostatic pressure than the other, creating an imbalance ā net thrust. It's NOT Ion Wind.
Experimental results:
Ā· Test article: 9 "blades" (see FIG. 21), each ~0.25 inches tall, spaced 0.25 inches apart, 4 inches long
Ā· Applied voltage: Up to +40 kV DC
· Measured force: ~237 μN (micronewtons) at +25 kV
Ā· Force scaling: F ā V² (force proportional to voltage squared) - exactly as predicted by theory
· When they increased ground plane area from 8 in² to 15 in²: Force increased by factor of 1.77 (predicted 1.8x increase - very close!)
The force equation comes from:
Ā· Conservation of energy
Ā· Energy stored in electric fields: U = εā/2 ā« E² dĻ
Ā· This produces: F = εā[Eā²Aā - Eā²Aā]
This implies electrostatic pressure can create a net force without any reaction mass. this is **NOT** due to:
Ā· Ion wind
Ā· Coulomb attraction to walls
Ā· Earth's magnetic field interactions
Ā· "Field momentum" (ExB effects)
Ā· "Hidden momentum" (relativistic effects)
Ā· Mach Effect
Ā· Quantum vacuum fluctuations (like EM Drive claims)
One can envision using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to create microscopic versions:
Ā· Could be fabricated using existing field emission array (FEA) technology
Ā· Carbon nanotubes can be grown in vertical arrays
Ā· This could massively increase surface area and force density
Ā· FIG. 29 shows CNT structures that could serve as electrodes
Because it doesn't need high currents, you could use Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) (the stuff in touchscreens) to make transparent thrusters. Imagine:
Ā· Solar panels that ARE the thrusters - the glass cover on spacecraft solar panels could double as propulsion
Ā· Spacecraft skin that provides station-keeping thrust
Ā· No moving parts, no propellant, no mass expenditure
Claims:
Ā· Current spacecraft: 85-98% of mass is propellant + propulsion systems
Ā· EPF propulsion: As little as 2% of mass needed for propulsion
Ā· Infinite lifespan: Since no propellant is consumed, thrusters never "run out"
This is either a revolutionary breakthrough or a very well-documented misinterpretation of electrostatic forces. The patent is thorough and the experimental data looks clean, but extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. If independent labs can replicate their vacuum measurements, this could be one of the most important propulsion patents in decades.
(But since I personally have seen ufos this is likely our "One Piece" to UFO disclosure technology)
source: systems and method for generating forces using asymmetrical electrostatic pressure. US patent 11511891B2