Magnetohydrodynamic sea water propulsion
An experimental and theoretical investigation of a large scale MHD propulsor has been undertaken whose objectives are to (1) investigate the transient and steady state performance of the thruster over operating parameter ranges that are compatible with achievement of high efficiency, (2) to quantify the principal loss mechanisms within the thruster and (3) to obtain preliminary hydroacoustic data. The performance of the thruster was first investigated theoretically with a 3-D code to quantify the loss mechanisms and identify experimental parameter ranges of interest. The loss mechanisms of interest are ohmic losses within the channel and those resulting from electrical currents at the entrance and exit of the thruster, and enhanced frictional losses. The analysis indicated that the relative importance of the loss mechanisms was a function of the thruster design and operating parameters. The experimental investigation of the large scale propulsor is being conducted on a sea water test facility that was designed to match the capabilities of a large 6-T superconducting magnet. The facility design was such that {approximately}90{degrees} of all losses occurred within the propulsion test train (inlet nozzle, propulsor and diffuser) thus facilitating isolation of the loss mechanisms. The test thruster itself is heavily instrumented to provide local measurements of velocity, pressure, and electric fields. The predicted overall thruster performance and value of the loss mechanisms will be compared with measured values. Comparisons will also be presented of the voltage gradients between electrodes, overall thruster efficiency, axial pressure gradients across the propulsor, change in velocity profiles, axial and vertical current distributions and exit distribution of the electrolytic gases.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab., IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOD; Department of Defense, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 5758906
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/CP-75283; CONF-911026-1; ON: DE92007396
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: International symposium on superconducting magneto-hydrodynamics propulsion ships, Kobe (Japan), 28-31 Oct 1991
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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MHD GENERATORS
PERFORMANCE
SHIPS
PROPULSION SYSTEMS
THRUSTERS
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
SEAWATER
SUPERCONDUCTING MAGNETS
TESTING
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTROMAGNETS
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HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
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SIMULATION
SUPERCONDUCTING DEVICES
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& Utilization- Transportation- Sea & Water