Efficiency and Performance Evaluation of Magnetohydrodynamic Propulsion System Based on Laboratory Scale

Chandra, Daniella (2025) Efficiency and Performance Evaluation of Magnetohydrodynamic Propulsion System Based on Laboratory Scale. Other thesis, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember.

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Abstract

This study presents an experimental evaluation of a laboratory-scale magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) propulsion system, which operates based on the Lorentz force principle—generated by the interaction between an electric current and a perpendicular magnetic field in an electrically conductive fluid such as seawater. This contactless propulsion method eliminates moving parts, offering potential advantages in terms of reliability and stealth, but faces significant challenges in terms of efficiency and scalability.
Performance analysis based on measured data shows that the MHD thruster reaches a maximum speed of 0.462 m/s at an input power of 85.68 W, with a peak efficiency of 0.14%. Beyond this point, increasing the input power results in a sharp drop in speed and efficiency—to 0.03% at 189 W—indicating system saturation and dominant energy losses. The total resistance is primarily due to the external circuit (7 Ω), while the thruster's internal resistance is minimal, highlighting the inefficiency of power delivery to the active region. Key factors limiting performance include high ohmic losses, electrolysis at the electrodes, low fluid conductivity, non-uniform magnetic fields, and hydrodynamic drag. The nonlinear response and narrow optimal operating range underscore the challenges in scaling MHD propulsion for practical use. While this model successfully demonstrates the fundamental concept, the very low efficiency confirms that the current laboratory system remains an experimental tool, not a viable propulsion solution. Improvements in electrode design, magnetic field strength, and system integration are critical to advancing MHD technology toward real world application.

Item Type:	Thesis (Other)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Efficiency, Magnetohydrodynamic Propulsion, MHD.
Subjects:	V Naval Science > VM Naval architecture. Shipbuilding. Marine engineering > VM311 Catamarans. V Naval Science > VM Naval architecture. Shipbuilding. Marine engineering > VM751 Resistance and propulsion of ships V Naval Science > VM Naval architecture. Shipbuilding. Marine engineering > VM773 Ship propulsion, Electric
Divisions:	Faculty of Marine Technology (MARTECH) > Marine Engineering > 36202-(S1) Undergraduate Thesis
Depositing User:	Daniella Chandra
Date Deposited:	12 Aug 2025 00:58
Last Modified:	12 Aug 2025 00:58
URI:	http://repository.its.ac.id/id/eprint/128010

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