Optimization of a Magnetohydrodynamic Pump
Start Date
13-12-2022 5:50 PM
Description
The International Space Station (ISS) currently uses mechanical pumps for thermal control, engine propellant, filtration and more. These mechanical pumps contain moving parts with a propensity to break down and require maintenance. I will research the use of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) in a fluid pump as an alternative to mechanical pumps aboard the ISS. An MHD pump utilizes the Lorentz force and the principles of magnetohydrodynamics to propel any electrically conducting fluid. Through my research, I will focus on the optimization of a closed loop MHD pump to be used aboard the ISS. To do this, I will first construct an open loop pump model, which I will test the fluid velocity with different salt concentrations. I will then use these results to design a closed loop pump to be used in microgravity conditions. I will test this pump using a velocimeter and compare the data with the predicted velocity values. Dr. Hawkins and I plan to test the final closed loop MHD pump model on a Blue Origin flight to see how it works in microgravity. We expect this pump to be a better alternative than mechanical pumps to be used aboard the ISS.
Optimization of a Magnetohydrodynamic Pump
The International Space Station (ISS) currently uses mechanical pumps for thermal control, engine propellant, filtration and more. These mechanical pumps contain moving parts with a propensity to break down and require maintenance. I will research the use of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) in a fluid pump as an alternative to mechanical pumps aboard the ISS. An MHD pump utilizes the Lorentz force and the principles of magnetohydrodynamics to propel any electrically conducting fluid. Through my research, I will focus on the optimization of a closed loop MHD pump to be used aboard the ISS. To do this, I will first construct an open loop pump model, which I will test the fluid velocity with different salt concentrations. I will then use these results to design a closed loop pump to be used in microgravity conditions. I will test this pump using a velocimeter and compare the data with the predicted velocity values. Dr. Hawkins and I plan to test the final closed loop MHD pump model on a Blue Origin flight to see how it works in microgravity. We expect this pump to be a better alternative than mechanical pumps to be used aboard the ISS.
