ELECTRICAL POWER FROM ROCKETS,

Abstract

The paper discusses the characteristics of magnetohydrodynamic generators, as applied to ground-based chemical-rocket exhausts. Simple open-cycle units can have ultimate efficiencies up to 40 per cent, and can provide electrical power on very short notice. More specifically, rocket-powered MHD generators are suited to applications requiring hundreds or thousands of electrical megawatts for a few minutes. Within this range one can foresee power densities (including the magnet) of at least 250 kw/cu ft. The main problems center about developing suitable materials for operation near 2000 - 3000K. However, no moving parts are required in the MHD generator itself, where these temperatures manifest themselves. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 16, 1960
Accession Number
AD0616584

Entities

People

  • J. H. Huth

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Efficiency
  • Electric Generators
  • Energy Systems
  • Generators
  • Ground Based
  • Magnetohydrodynamic Generators
  • Materials
  • Rocket Exhaust

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Missile Defense Systems.