Magneto-Hydro-Dynamis Propulsion

[portinari232]

This is my first post on this forum, but i have browsed through this website a bit and found it very interesting so i thought i'd post a new thread... so here goes:


Can someone please explain how MHD Propulsion works. I saw a little bit of a show about this on the Science channel recently but was unable to grasp it completely.

 

[Astronuc]

MHD propulsion works by applying an EM force to a conductive working fluid, like sea-water.

ele.unipv.it/~fis/fisica2mn/barca_a_prop_MHD.pdf

In a square channel two opposite faces employ two conductors with the a potential difference applied. This induces a current (I) flowing through the working fluid. On the other two faces a magnetic field (of strength B) is applied.

The propulsive force is proportional to IxB, by virtue of the Lorentz force, F = q(v x B) or written another way, F is proprotional to I X B.

I am not sure if you are asking specifically for this example, but there are other propulsion systems, e.g. magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD), using a similar principle but in the form of coaxial electrodes.

In this case, the current flows radially, and making use of self-inductance, the I x B forces propels the plasma axially.

 

[ravenprp]

Magneto-Hydro-Dynamis Propulsion, also known as MHD Propulsion, is a form of propulsion that uses a combination of magnetic and fluid dynamics principles to create thrust. This technology is still in its early stages of development, but it has the potential to revolutionize space travel and other forms of transportation.

The basic concept behind MHD Propulsion is to ionize a fluid, such as air or water, and then use magnetic fields to accelerate and direct the ionized particles to create thrust. This is similar to how a traditional rocket engine works, but instead of using chemical reactions to generate thrust, MHD Propulsion uses electromagnetic forces.

The process starts with a gas or liquid being injected into a chamber, where it is then heated and ionized using high temperatures and electrical currents. The ionized particles are then accelerated by strong magnetic fields and released out of a nozzle at the back of the engine, creating thrust.

One of the main advantages of MHD Propulsion is that it is much more efficient than traditional rocket engines. This is because the ionized particles can be accelerated to much higher speeds than the combustion gases in a traditional rocket engine. Additionally, MHD Propulsion engines are able to operate at higher temperatures, which means they can generate more thrust with less fuel.

There are still many challenges to overcome in developing MHD Propulsion technology, such as finding materials that can withstand the extreme temperatures and magnetic fields, and finding ways to efficiently generate and control the ionization process. However, with continued research and development, MHD Propulsion has the potential to greatly improve space travel and other forms of transportation.