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Magneto-hydrodynamic
Drives
Magneto-hydrodynamic Drives
Submitted
by: David Richards
Grade
level:
Objective:
The objective of this lesson and demonstration is to get the students
to see how electric and magnetic fields can be used to force water out
of a chamber in order to propel a vehicle
Resources:
Small tray 12in x 5in x 2in two conducting bars
(i.e. aluminum) a dc ower supply (capable of 2A) a strong horseshoe magnet
two banana/alligator leads water salt pepper
Teacher Preparation:
Need to understand the basic principles behind crossed eclectic and magnetic
fields
Procedure:
Take the two conducting bars and place them in the
tray. Hook the leads from the power supply to the conducting bars. Poor
water into the tray until it is about 1 inch deep. Place horseshoe magnet
so that the poles are between the two conducting rods (above and below
the tray). Poor salt into tray and stir. Next, poor some pepper in. Now
turn on the power supply and crank up the voltage until you get a current
to flow between the two conducting rods You will see the pepper begin
to circulate around the conducting rods.
Variations/Options:
This principle is used in submarines like the one in "The Hunt for Red
October". It is a propulsion drive that has no moving mechanical parts.
Therefore it is difficult to detect through sonar. The students can come
up with other uses of this phenomenon.
Real World Usage:
Students should think about how this phenomenon can be modified for different
uses.
Additional Web Resources:
check out the book "The Hunt for Red October"
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