Magnetohydrodynamic MHD Propulsion

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Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Propulsion

• What is the best metal for speed?

Connor Bildfell, Don Cheney, Tamir Beged-Dov
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What is it?

• Propulsion system for water crafts
• Uses magnetic field, salt water, electric
  current, and metal strips
• Together, they take water from the ocean into a
  channel
• The water is then charged and ejected out of the
  channel

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Methods
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The Boat
CHANNEL
11cm
20 cm
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The Channel
17 cm
1.5 cm
Metal Strips
Magnets
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Why it Works

• Metal Strips
• Salt Water
• Electricity
• Magnets
• Right Hand Rule
• F qv ? B

http//www.diracdelta.co.uk/science/source/f/l/fle
mings2520right2520hand2520rule
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The Effect
Electric Current
Water enters channel
Water forced out of channel
Magnetic Force
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Purpose and Significance

• To move a craft silently
• Propel the craft without moving parts
• Eliminate gas emissions
• Conserve fossil fuels
• Reduce labor

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Our Goals

• Determine the best metal in terms of speed
• Metals tested
• Zinc
• Tin
• Copper
• Aluminum

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Conditions

• In a tub, traveling 24 cm
• Calm salt water
• 650 grams of salt added to tap water
• 20 volts run through metal strips
• Lead wires were held to reduce drag

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Data (sec)
Averages (sec)
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T-Tests
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Conclusions

• Confirmed functionality
• Practicality based on speed
• Practicality based on corrosion
• Environment?

Tin
Aluminum
Copper
Zinc
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Next Steps

• Test the corrosion limits and environmental
  ramifications of each metal
• Test the effectiveness of various energy sources
  and determine which is most practical.
• Alter designs to increase propulsion force.
• Combine these to develop the best system for
  magnetohydrodynamic propelled vehicles.