Influence of Tensor Conductivity on Current Distribution in a MHD Generator

Magnetohydrodynamic generators may operate under conditions such that the product of electron cyclotron frequency and mean collision time is not small compared to unity. Accordingly the electrical conductivity is a tensor rather than a scalar quantity. The influence of tensor conductivity on the electrical current distribution has been investigated in two idealized situations, one pertaining to the entrance and exit regions of the generator and the other pertaining to the region near segmented electrodes. The calculations predict modifications of the internal impedance of the generator which can be described in terms of increases in the effective duct length and width.