Three-dimensional Computational Study on a Magnetohydrodynamic Accelerator in Hall Current Neutralized Condition

概要

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The purpose of this study is to clarify effects of three-dimensional phenomena on performance of the Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) accelerator for the MAPX project at NASA Marshal Space Flight Center. Generally, in a Faraday type of MHD accelerator with segmented electrode, high flow velocity augmentation can be achieved. However, many independent power supplies have to be installed. A diagonal type of MHD accelerator requires only one power supply, and it is hopeful for the practical applications. Hall current neutralized condition was proposed in this study where each electrode pair was linked externally so as to cancel the current caused by the Hall effect. Results showed that the diagonal accelerator with the neutralized condition could achieve an outlet velocity equivalent to that in the Faraday accelerator. The axial velocity augmented from 1235m/s at inlet to 3040m/s at the outlet under the 300Amps of load current. It is found that the neutralized condition was not implemented in a whole of the cross section when there was plasma non-uniformity. The Lorentz force due to the current concentration caused the velocity-overshoot and the secondary flows. This study of the 3-D analysis provided prediction of the plasma behavior in an MHD accelerator channel as prior numerical analysis for the MAPX project carried out at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.
社団法人電気学会の論文
2008-05-01