The Performance Analysis of Direct Current Electromagnetic Propulsion in Seawater

Electromagnetic seawater thrusters may be classified into four general categories : internal duct dc, external field dc, internal peristaltic ac, and external peristaltic ac. Internal duct dc thrusters offer the advantages of low magnetic field leakage, simple construction, and potentially high reliability. The most efficient internal duct configuration consists of converging inlet nozzle and a straight discharge duct. Ideal efficiency calculations based on the one-dimensional Bernoulli equation show that thrusters should be designed with large cross-sectional areas and operate at low discharge velocities. In practice, this may be accomplished by using multiple thruster ducts. Conductivity enhancement, high magnetic fields, and long electrodes will also improve efficiency.