Achievement of the highest performance of a CCMHD generator: an isentropic efficiency of 63% and an enthalpy extraction ratio of 31%

In this paper we describe the highest-performance closed-cycle magnetohydrodynamic (CCMHD) power generator driven by a shock-tube. Despite the use of a small-scale device having a power-generating volume of approximately 4 liters, outstanding performance, namely, the isentropic efficiency of 63%, the enthalpy extraction ratio of 30.8%, the electrical power output of 1.23 MW, and the power density of 297 MW/m/sup 3/, is achieved at the stagnation temperature of 2250 K and the applied magnetic flux density of 3.0 T. The following facts contribute to the world's highest performance of the CCMHD power generator: a less-divergent generator shape; the employment of cesium-seeded helium gas; the introduction of an inlet swirl; and the production of homogeneous plasma.