Simulation of starting transients in the UTSI MHD Generator

A numerical procedure for solving the unsteady, two-dimensional, compressible Navier-Stokes equations has been extended for Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flows by the inclusion of the appropriate Lorentz force and Joule heating terms in the governing equations. With appropriate initial and boundary conditions, the procedure can be used for the investigation of transient phenomena as well as the asymptotic steady-state characteristics of internal MHD flows. Results obtained for the simulation of starting processes in The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) Coal-Fired MHD flow train are presented and found to be in good agreement with experimental observations.