Program Summary
The concept of a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) drive has been around since the 1960’s. However, MHD has been plagued by low-efficiency magnet design and electrode material challenges. Recent breakthroughs in large-scale manufacturing of superconducting magnets combined with new approaches to mitigate electrode corrosion has opened the door to realize MHD systems that operate with the efficiency needed to be militarily relevant.
The DARPA Principles of Undersea Magnetohydrodynamic Pumps (PUMP) program is developing electrode material system solutions capable of handling the extreme environment of operating a MHD drive in seawater under high electrical currents and magnetic fields. These solutions work in concert with modern superconducting practices while maintaining performance in an adverse environment that includes hydrolysis and corrosion. Upon completion of the program, PUMP aims to demonstrate a practical, efficient MHD device with a militarily significant efficiency and lifetime that is also scalable to future shipboard applications.