Magnetohydrodynamics: Past, Present, and Future Innovations

Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) is the union of Maxwell’s equations of electromagnetism and hydrodynamics to describe the behavior of conducting fluids. MHD involves a Lorentz force exerted on an electric field and a magnetic field derived from either chemical processes or induction. This Lorentz force can manipulate the movement of fluids such as water and plasma. MHD can therefore be utilized to create artificial motion, such as an engine, without a motor or other moving parts. Such innovations are still in development, but significant strides have been taken to harness the power of MHD. In 1985, the YAMATO-1 Project in Kobe, Japan resulted in the first working prototype of a watercraft powered by MHD. In the present, research continues. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is developing a magnetohydrodynamic drive that can propel a submarine without any moving parts. Considering these developments, the authors built a demonstration to illustrate the propulsion of a magnetohydrodynamic drive. A simple model of a propulsive drive was assembled using a glass container, a hollow plastic piece, gold-sputtered screws, a power supply, and neodymium magnets. This project not only demonstrated the technological potential of magnetohydrodynamics, but also the challenges of utilizing MHD power sources.