On electric discharge producing a non-thermal reactive force in vacuum and dense media, and possibility of its application in transportation systems

A dc discharge between electrodes emitting charged particles across a gap longer than the electrode size is considered. Attention is drawn to the fact that the electrostatic interaction of the electrode charges with space charge of the emitted current can produce reactive thrust, the cost in terms of energy of producing thrust in vacuum or in media is lower in comparison with other methods of producing propulsion. Maximum attainable pressure exerted on the electrode and emitted-current density are estimated. Schemes of propelled crafts using this type of electric discharges are presented.