Persistence
UntestedRun for an extended period at fixed V. Thrust should hold; ion-mode decays.
What this test isolates
Premise. An electrostatic stack draws negligible current and produces force indefinitely (until the supply or dielectric fails). Ion mode burns up reactive species and decays.
Why it matters. A clean ≥1-hour run with thrust within 10% of the initial value rules out a long list of wind-driven and reactive-chemistry mechanisms.
Variable. Time at constant V
Hold constant
- Single Gravitor, fixed V, fixed atmosphere
Prediction. Thrust at t = 1 hour is within 50% of thrust at t = 30 seconds (loose tolerance until thermal effects are characterised).
How to run this test
- 1
Pick a safe steady voltage
≤ 60% of dielectric breakdown to leave room for thermal drift.
- 2
Capture data at intervals
Δm at 30 s, 5 m, 15 m, 30 m, 60 m. Plus T/RH at each interval.
- 3
Watch for arc events
An arc invalidates the run. Restart with a fresh dielectric face.
Pitfalls
- !Scale drift over an hour can swamp the signal — use a calibrated drift correction.
- !Dielectric heating reduces κ and shifts the result; chart T alongside Δm.