A Computer Analysis for the Determination of Electrode Voltage Losses in Magnetohydrodynamic-Generator Plasmas.
Abstract
This work investigates the nature and extent of the voltage drops in the vicinity of MHD non-emitting electrodes, especially the losses attributable to the sheath. The non-existence of a one-dimensional sheath solution is proved and a computer model with two-dimensional, periodic active sites representing a flat plate electrode is developed. The sheath and ambipolar regions evolve from the same set of equations in a self-consistent way, obviating the requirement to match boundary conditions between the regions. With this model the effects of a magnetic field and Joule heating are studied. Results are compared with experimental observations. To supplement the sheath investigation a peripheral study of the boundary layer voltage losses has been made and a relatively simple technique for determining these losses is presented.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA020081
Entities
People
- Richard Charles Dolson
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School