Fluid dynamic studies with a magnetohydrodynamic generator

Abstract

The results of a study of fluid mechanics of a large linear magnetohydrodynamic generator with a field strength of 33 000G are presented. The experiment was designed to fulfill three requirements; predominant Lorenz force, important Hall effects, and substantial changes in the electrical and thermodynamic properties of the gas. Studies of the electrical properties of the fluid of the effects of the surface temperature and geometry of the electrodes are described. The performance of the generator is analyzed under varying conditions of mass flow, magnetic field, seed concentration, exhaust pressure and channel geometry. Finally a comparison between a simple theory and the experimental results shows good agreement, indicating the feasibility of predicting magnetohydrodynamic generator performance.