Performance of Large Scale Non-equilibrium Plasma MHD Generator Coupled with Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Field

Abstract

R-z two-dimensional numerical simulations have been carried out to investigate the performance of a largescale disk MHD generator coupled with radio-frequency (rf) electromagnetic field. The rf technique is verified to be useful even for a large scale MHD generator. The skin effect of plasma influences the distribution of rf electric field, however under the present plasma condition in the MHD generator, this effect will not induce the failure of rf application. When the plasma does not achieve the fully ionized seed condition only by self-induced Joule heating, the plasma is unstable. Coupling with the rf power can stabilize the plasma and improve the performance of generator. Thus, the present rf technique can help widening the actual operating condition of MHD generator.