Investigative data analysis technique for MHD generators

A method of data analysis is developed for MHD generators. The axial distributions of core properties are accurately determined without a detailed boundary layer calculation and without accurate knowledge of wall temperature, wall roughness, absolute conductivity level, or inlet conditions. In addition to the inputs required for a direct (i.e. design mode) calculation of channel characteristics, the method requires axial distributions of static pressure and for a diagonal generator, requires axial distributions of Hall voltage at several levels of generator loading. The technique also determines the distribution of the plasma resistance parameter and with additional assumptions, evaluates the interframe leakage resistance and local boundary layer size and shape. 4 refs