Matrix method of calculating the electrical characteristics of an MHD generator

A. O. Yakhot

Abstract
A matrix model is proposed for calculating the electrical characteristics of an MHD generator with an arbitrary number of electrodes and an arbitrary load circuit. The model is applicable both to plane and semicircular electrodes of small dimensions. Expressions are derived for the matrix coefficients of the natural and mutual resistances. The electric load circuit is described by topological matrices. The problem of calculating the currents flowing through the electrodes is reduced to the solution of a set of linear equations. A comparison is made with some well-known solutions, and calculations are presented of the characteristics of a generator with eight electrodes.