How exactly does the Ion Thruster type engines work?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ion_thruster

 

Ion thrusters use beams of ions (electrically charged atoms or molecules) to create thrust in accordance with Newton's third law. The method of accelerating the ions varies, but all designs take advantage of the charge/mass ratio of the ions. This ratio means that relatively small potential differences can create very high exhaust velocities. This reduces the amount of reaction mass or fuel required, but increases the amount of specific power required compared to chemical rockets. Ion thrusters are therefore able to achieve extremely high specific impulses. The drawback of the low thrust is low spacecraft acceleration because the mass of current electric power units is directly correlated with the amount of power given. This low thrust makes ion thrusters unsuited for launching spacecraft into orbit, but they are ideal for in-space propulsion applications.

yea i read that, i was looking for a much more in depth description of how it worked.

If you are looking for a "more technical" answer then say so up front and explain what, specifically, you don't understand. If you've already read the Wikipedia articles, then say so and explain what was confusing or what details are missing.

 

The Wikipedia entries for science subjects are not always the best explanations for laymen so they sometimes leave one with questions.

 

The explanation for an electrostatic ion thruster (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrostatic_ion_thruster) is pretty straightforward, what more do you need?

If you are looking for a "more technical" answer then say so up front and explain what, specifically, you don't understand. If you've already read the Wikipedia articles, then say so and explain what was confusing or what details are missing.

 

The Wikipedia entries for science subjects are not always the best explanations for laymen so they sometimes leave one with questions.

 

The explanation for an electrostatic ion thruster (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrostatic_ion_thruster) is pretty straightforward, what more do you need?

 

Sure, how is this for precise.

I want to see the detailed schematics of an actual working thruster, along with a complete description of each individual part and what it does itself and how it interacts with the system. Along with that i would like to take a look at the equations associated with it and view the theory on how it works. + detail.

For that level of detail, I recommend this book:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Physics-Electric-Propulsion-Robert-Jahn/dp/0486450406/

 

It is older but the physics haven't changed.

It throws very little mass very very fast. This makes it highly efficient, if you have the energy to do this.