Flow Structure and Propulsion Effects of MHD Propulsion by Surfaces

The magneto hydrodynamic (MHD) propulsion by surfaces is performed by the total force of reaction electromagnetic body force (i.e. Lorentz force, LF) and hydrodynamic forces. The electromagnetic body force with certain spatial distribution in navigating model's surfaces and fluid boundary layer is generated by near-wall electromagnetic and magnetic fields. The surfaces of the navigating model are used as the plane propeller. By basic principles and equations of fluid dynamics and electromagnetic field, the numerical investigations into MHD propulsion has been used to simulate the navigating model, which was placed in weak electrolyte (e.g. seawater). Numerical simulations results, have shown that propulsion efficiency is mainly depended on electromagnetic body force intensity in two different navigation postures if Lorentz force intensity enough. For fixed attack angle, the magnitude of thrust increasing with the intensity of electromagnetic and magnetic fields.