Staircase electrode-wall configuration for MHD generators

A staircase electrode-wall configuration for a mhd generator which uses fluid dynamic means to protect the electrodes from substantial damage due to arcing and chemical attack. The electrode walls of a mhd generator duct have periodic conductor/insulator elements where channel divergence or convergence is accomplished in a stepwise fashion. The electrode is situated within the insulator of each element to be backwardfacing so as not to be directly exposed to the hot gas flow. The turbulence which exists at the backward-facing electrode moves the arc spot about the surface to prevent severe local damage. Chemical attack is inhibited by a laminated electrode surface of a low corrosive material and the turbulence which aids in cooling the electrode face. Additional cooling may be obtained by a purge jet at the electrode face