Magnetohydrodynamic drive
Magnetohydrodynamic drive
In concept, MHD is attractive because it offers a propulsion system that requires no moving parts. It works on a principle similar to that of an electric motor or generator; that is, passing an electrical current through a magnetic field creates a force. In an MHD propulsion system, a magnetic field is created within the hull, and sea water is used to conduct the electric current, as shown in the illustrations accompanying this story. The underlying principle is known as Fleming’s Left-Hand Rule, which is demonstrated by taking the thumb, index, and middle finger of the left hand and holding them perpendicular to each other. If a magnetic field is created in the direction of the index finger while electric current passes in the direction of the middle finger, an electromagnetic force (also known as Lorentz force) will be produced along the direction of the thumb. This force acts on the conductor (in this case sea water), so by constraining the sea water within a tube, the Lorentz force will push it through the tube, creating a viable propulsive force.
A magnetohydrodynamic drive or MHD propulsor is a method for propelling vessels using only electric and magnetic fields with no moving parts, using magnetohydrodynamics. The working principle involves electrification of the propellant (gas or water) which can then be directed by a magnetic field, pushing the vehicle in the opposite direction. Although some working prototypes exist, MHD drives remain impractical.
Ship propulsion
An electric current is passed through seawater in the presence of an intense magnetic field, which interacts with the magnetic field of the current through the water. Functionally, the seawater is then the moving, conductive part of an electric motor. Pushing the water out the back accelerates the vehicle in the forward direction.
The physics equation describing this propelling force is Fmag = I (L × B) where L is the vector in the direction of the current 'I'
In concept, MHD is attractive because it offers a propulsion system that requires no moving parts. It works on a principle similar to that of an electric motor or generator; that is, passing an electrical current through a magnetic field creates a force. In an MHD propulsion system, a magnetic field is created within the hull, and sea water is used to conduct the electric current, as shown in the illustrations accompanying this story. The underlying principle is known as Fleming’s Left-Hand Rule, which is demonstrated by taking the thumb, index, and middle finger of the left hand and holding them perpendicular to each other. If a magnetic field is created in the direction of the index finger while electric current passes in the direction of the middle finger, an electromagnetic force (also known as Lorentz force) will be produced along the direction of the thumb. This force acts on the conductor (in this case sea water), so by constraining the sea water within a tube, the Lorentz force will push it through the tube, creating a viable propulsive force.
A magnetohydrodynamic drive or MHD propulsor is a method for propelling vessels using only electric and magnetic fields with no moving parts, using magnetohydrodynamics. The working principle involves electrification of the propellant (gas or water) which can then be directed by a magnetic field, pushing the vehicle in the opposite direction. Although some working prototypes exist, MHD drives remain impractical.
Ship propulsion
An electric current is passed through seawater in the presence of an intense magnetic field, which interacts with the magnetic field of the current through the water. Functionally, the seawater is then the moving, conductive part of an electric motor. Pushing the water out the back accelerates the vehicle in the forward direction.
The physics equation describing this propelling force is Fmag = I (L × B) where L is the vector in the direction of the current 'I'