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

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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.

About the greatest crossover i could have ever asked for.

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!

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

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).

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.

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

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

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

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.

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 😊

Nice. RC boat and bug zapper all in one!

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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"

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.

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?

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

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!

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

Electrical interference can be caused by other electronic devices, such as power lines or radios. To overcome these problems, you can try the following: Use a dehumidifier: A dehumidifier can help to reduce the humidity in the air, which can help to reduce electrical noise. Isolate the ion engine from vibration: You can try to isolate the ion engine from vibration by mounting it on a vibration-resistant platform. Use shielded cables: Shielded cables can help to protect the ion engine from electrical interference. Use a noise filter: A noise filter can help to reduce electrical noise. It is also important to make sure that the ion engine is properly grounded. This will help to prevent electrical noise from entering the ion engine

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

can i get a full detailed video for constructing this thruster or just a pdf how to make it with the stl file for 3d printed parts

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.

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

"stealthier than a comatose ninja" killed me AHAHAH

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

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

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

Does the sparking and cross over damage the thruster? How does it impact performance? Could it be made so it doesn’t? Would it not heat up the air going through?

are you able to concentrate the wind into a smaller hole to improve the thrust?

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.

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

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?

How would you go about getting this thing to go in reverse? An engine redesign to allow both directions of airflow? Putting a movable scooper on the back to kind of redirect the thrust in a way to move it in the opposite direction but at a reduced capability? Making the engine mounts fully rotating to allow for directional thrust, though would slip rings be able to keep up with the high voltage transfer? Reverse thrust would be cool, allow the boat to get away from obstacles, but also improve pivot speed for turning having one thruster forward and one backwards

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.

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!

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

What would happen if the output from one ionic engine into the intake of a second? Will the thrust be multiplied?

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.

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

Absolute madman. Amazing

Hey Jay! really cool stuff that u are doing here. Can you suggest any simulation software where I can simulate these thrusters?

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

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.

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 !!!

If you can eventually get enough thrust then look into adding hydrofoils to your catamaran. Hydrodynamic resistance drops to very low levels once the hulls come out of the water but it doesn't look like you have quite enough thrust yet. However maybe a hybrid approach might work. First a ducted fan to get you out of the water then switch to the ion thruster.

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!⚡

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.

Just curious, would putting w venturi tube on the end of the thruster increase it’s thrust ratio at all, or would be essentially useless

Have you though of adding an adjustable cowling to the rear of the thruster to direct the airflow

congrats bud that is the first step to making a new form of propulsion, keep at it your on the right track, Love the build !

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

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.

Amazing!!! I just found this channel and i loved it!! Do you have any degree related this? Which one? Thanks for the content!!

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!

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

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

if the air outlet were through a tube submerged in water? Wouldn't the propulsion force be more optimal?

Diy perks and plasma channel uploading video today❤❤❤

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.

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

Would a reducing cone at the back, like a jet, work with making more thrust?

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.

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.

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

how much trust you should get (also weight/trust ratio) in order to make a rc plane flight ?

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

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

This is super video and I love this

This could be the coolest noiseless dest fan ever.

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!

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

Could you swap the polarity of the current for less-effecient but practical reverse thrust?

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!

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.

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

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

Thank yoooou, Matrix! 🙏🤩✨

Quick suggestion! Don't use a ducted design, you might be loosing airflow that way. I'd suggest using a fuselage, and treat it like a solid state jet engine(my dads words on this), with a place to compress the airflow to increase the speed and all

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!

What if you rotated the middle set perpendicular? Or would that change nothing?

I would love to do this in my class with my stem kids. Do you have any directions for building the engines?