Investigation of electromagnetic hydrodynamics propulsion and vector control by surfaces based on a rotational navigation body

Abstract

Realization of electromagnetic hydrodynamics (MHD) propulsion by surfaces needs an electromagnetic body force generated in a conductive fluid (such as seawater and plasma, etc.) around the navigation body. Furthermore, the reaction force against the electromagnetic body force could be used to propel. Based on the basic control equations of electromagnetic field and fluid mechanics, the vector control effect has been analyzed by virtue of field intensity and force distribution characteristic on the rotational navigation body, under two different force action areas. Results show that the navigation attitude adjustment could be realized by this control method without changing attacks and propulsion directions. An upward force moment could be achieved by the control model A. Accordingly, both of the pitching moment and yaw moment could be changed by the control model B. Thus, as a new way of propulsion, the MHD propulsion by surfaces offers several advantages, such as high speed, high efficiency, easy operation, high payload etc. Additionally, in this paper, the vector propulsion has been proved to be one of the remarkable advantages for MHD propulsion by surface.