AN INVESTIGATION OF THE CAPABILITY OF A COMBUSTION DRIVEN SELF-EXCITED MHD GENERATOR TO PRODUCE HIGH ENERGY ELECTRICAL IMPULSES
Abstract
The program described in this report is directed to the design, construction and performance evaluation of a single circuit output, Faraday magnetohydrodynamic generator channel. The design corresponds to a conventional DC generator with the field coil and load in series. As a second objective, the feasibility of employing a combustion driven self-excited MHD generator for the production of repeated high energy (tens of megajoules) electrical impulses was investigated. In this application the MHD generator combines the functions of electrical energy generation, storage, and delivery in a single unit basically identical with a conventional self-excited MHD generator configuration. Such a combination is effected by utilizing the generator field coil as an energy source and circuit breaker. The report describes the channel design analysis, channel construction, modifications to an existing MHD generator (the Mark V) and the testing program. The net power capability of the channel design was strongly compromised in favor of other characteristics judged to be desirable for the pulse application, where high net output from the channel is not the prime requirement. Thus, the maximum net output from the single circuit channel has been approximately fourteen megawatts. Difficulties encountered during the testing program include voltage mismatch between electrode and insulating wall segments in the transition section between burner and channel, arcing in this transition section, and two dimensional current flow effects due to the shorted Hall currents. Solutions to these problems are indicated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0817747
Entities
People
- Arne C. Mattsson
- Thomas R. Brogan