Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)
Document Type
Paper
Publication Date
5-1-2025
Disciplines
Mathematics
Advisor
Dr. Todd Johnson
Abstract
This paper explores the performance of a self-constructed, small-scale magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) thruster using saltwater as the conductive fluid. The MHD drive generates propulsion through Lorentz force by applying an electric current across electrodes in the presence of an orthogonal magnetic field. Two experiments were conducted: one measuring static water displacement to determine force output, and another using fluid velocity in a closed loop to evaluate both force and efficiency at varying magnetic field strengths. Theoretical predictions based on MHD and fluid dynamics principles were compared with experimental results. While the measured outputs were consistently lower than theoretical approximations, likely due to an inconsistent magnetic field and chemical processes, the data showed a clear trend of increasing force and efficiency with stronger magnetic fields. These results validate the expected physical behavior of MHD propulsion systems and suggest improvements for future designs.
Recommended Citation
Rabaey, Samuel, "Small Scale Magnetohydrodynamic Thruster" (2025). Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-). 278.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/ur_cscday/278
