Magnetohydrodynamic fluid transducer

Abstract

Abstract Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) perturbation sensing apparatus. A rigid, shock resistant enclosure provides a housing having a sealed interior, in which a magnetohydrodynamic sensor and associated electronics are disposed. A hollow tubular conduit having an internal channel containing an electrically conductive fluid such as mercury or an electrolyte is of preferably ring shaped dimensions. The electrically conductive fluid is subject to perturbation-responsive movement within the ring. A very strong magnetic field is set up perpendicularly with respect to the plane occupied by the conduit by at least one pair of spaced apart magnets which have opposite poles disposed in a line generally normal to the plane of the conduit. One or more pairs of electrodes are secured to the conduit in a position normal to the magnetic field whereby to sense perturbations. In one embodiment a generally disc-shaped body substantially encapsulates a generally rectilinear, centrally disposed magnetic array and a cooperating ring-shaped or circular channel through which the electrically conductive fluid may move in response to perturbations. Fluid disposed within the channel may also be forced to move by MHD phenomena. A pair of drive electrodes and a pair of sensing electrodes are provided for information derivation and control. A plug may be disposed concentrically within the housing, and a pair of voids are formed on opposite sides thereof between the plug and the inner periphery of an electrode ring. Preferably a fluid such as nitrogen gas is filled within this region to provide pressure compensation in response to movement of electrically conductive fluid.

Inventors

• 👤 Sedley J. Greer, Jr.

Bibliographic Details