Single-phase MHD conduction pump with sectional electrodes

N. M. Nadezhnikov - G. Ya. Zvane - A. S. Petrazhitskii

Abstract
A model of a single-phase MHD conduction pump with sectional electrodes of length c is considered. The working body moves with a constant velocity v along a channel of limited length in the positive direction of the x axis. It is assumed that there is complete electrical contact between the working body and the channel walls lying in planes parallel to the end surfaces of the poles of the magnet, and that the current flows from the working body into the wall and vice versa. The other walls of the channel are not taken into account. The problem is solved in the electrodynamic approximation (the working body moves as a solid). The magnetizing current I_mw is specified, together with the electrode current I, the speed of the working body, the electrical conductivity of the working body and the walls of the channel, and the geometrical dimensions. Allowance is made for the contribution of I to producing the magnetic flux in the active zone. Leakage of the magnetic field beyond the active zone is neglected, and only current leakage is taken into account. Expressions are derived for the distribution of the magnetic induction, the components of the current density in the working body and the channel walls, from which one can determine the pressure developed in the active zone, the Joule losses, and the other characteristics of the pump. Curves are given for the field distribution as calculated by computer. Similarity criteria are derived for the electromagnetic phenomena in the model.