MHD Generator Investigations.
Abstract
The gas dynamic and plasma characteristics achievable in electric driven shock tubes are not sufficient to produce large scale self excited MHD generator operation in noble gases, primarily due to radiation cooling. It is recommended that alternate working gases be investigated and/or the East facility be upgraded with explosive drivers to achieve ultra high pressure, radiatively self-absorbing plasmas, candidate gases are cesium or gaseous or metallic compound, seeded noble gases. The requirements for self excited MHD generator operation have been established, Adequate electrical conductivity and low electrode losses are essential. It is recommended that conductivity improvements be achieved by the methods noted above. Electrode losses can be reduced by either alkali metal coated or impregnated electrodes. Serious discrepancies exist between theory and experiment of electrical conductivities of high pressure plasmas. Also the experimental data base is inadequate. Work in this area is critical to an understanding of these plasmas in MHD generators.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA062702
Entities
People
- Bert Zauderer
- E. Tate
Organizations
- General Electric