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Title: Feasibility of MHD submarine propulsion

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6676319· OSTI ID:6676319
 [1];  [2]
  1. ed.; Argonne National Lab., IL (United States)
  2. ed.; Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., VA (United States)

This report describes the work performed during Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the collaborative research program established between Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company (NNS). Phase I of the program focused on the development of computer models for Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) propulsion. Phase 2 focused on the experimental validation of the thruster performance models and the identification, through testing, of any phenomena which may impact the attractiveness of this propulsion system for shipboard applications. The report discusses in detail the work performed in Phase 2 of the program. In Phase 2, a two Tesla test facility was designed, built, and operated. The facility test loop, its components, and their design are presented. The test matrix and its rationale are discussed. Representative experimental results of the test program are presented, and are compared to computer model predictions. In general, the results of the tests and their comparison with the predictions indicate that thephenomena affecting the performance of MHD seawater thrusters are well understood and can be accurately predicted with the developed thruster computer models.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States); Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., VA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
6676319
Report Number(s):
ANL-92/35; NNS-2732/1; ON: DE93004662; CNN: N00014-89-F-0064
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English