Flow channel structure of a magnetohydrodynamic thruster

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By setting a guide tube and a spiral guide vane at the end of the fluid channel of the magnetohydrodynamic thruster, the diffusion problem when the fluid flows out is solved, thrust is concentrated, propulsion efficiency is improved and noise and vibration are reduced.

CN224528956UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-21TIANJIN HAOYE TECH CO LTD +1

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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office: CN · China
Patent Type: Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner: TIANJIN HAOYE TECH CO LTD
Filing Date: 2025-10-13
Publication Date: 2026-07-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The lack of effective guidance and constraint mechanisms when fluid flows out of the magnetohydrodynamic thruster leads to uneven thrust and affects propulsion efficiency.

Method used

A guide tube and a nozzle are installed at the end of the fluid channel of the magnetohydrodynamic thruster. The guide tube is equipped with spiral guide vanes. When the fluid passes through the guide tube, it flows in a spiral rotation, which reduces radial diffusion and improves thrust concentration.

Benefits of technology

By using the design of the guide tube and spiral guide vanes, the fluid thrust is more concentrated, which improves the propulsion efficiency of the magnetohydrodynamic thruster, reduces fluid diffusion and energy loss, and lowers noise and vibration.

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Abstract

The application discloses a flow channel structure of a magnetic fluid propeller, which is used for concentrating thrust and improving propelling efficiency of the magnetic fluid propeller. The application comprises a flow guide cylinder and a pipe mouth, the flow guide cylinder is fixedly connected to the pipe mouth, when the pipe mouth is connected to the end of a fluid channel in the magnetic fluid propeller, the flow guide cylinder is inserted into the fluid channel; the flow guide cylinder is communicated with the pipe mouth, and the pipe mouth is provided with first spiral flow guide blades, which are used for guiding the flow direction of fluid.

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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of underwater propulsion equipment technology, and in particular to a flow channel structure for a magnetohydrodynamic propulsion device. Background Technology

[0002] Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) propulsion utilizes orthogonal electric and magnetic fields to apply Lorentz forces to conductive fluids (such as seawater), thereby directly propelling the fluid and achieving propulsion without the need for traditional rotating mechanical parts (such as propellers).

[0003] Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) thrusters have channels for fluid flow. Lorentz force acts on the fluid in the channels to make the fluid ejected along the channels. To reduce frictional resistance during fluid flow, the channels are usually designed to have smooth inner wall surfaces.

[0004] However, when the fluid is accelerated by the Lorentz magnetic force and leaves the channel outlet, due to the lack of an effective subsequent flow guidance and constraint mechanism, the jet will freely diffuse into the surrounding still or low-speed ambient water, resulting in a lack of concentrated thrust and limiting the propulsion efficiency of the magnetohydrodynamic thruster. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a flow channel structure for a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) thruster, which can concentrate thrust and improve the propulsion efficiency of the MHD thruster.

[0006] The technical solution provided in this application is described below: This application provides a flow channel structure for a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) thruster, comprising: The guide tube and the inlet are fixedly connected to the inlet. When the inlet is connected to the end of the fluid channel in the magnetohydrodynamic thruster, the guide tube is inserted into the fluid channel. The guide tube is connected to the pipe opening, and a first spiral guide vane is provided inside the pipe opening. The first spiral guide vane is used to guide the flow direction of the fluid.

[0007] Optionally, a second spiral guide vane is provided inside the guide tube, and the second spiral guide vane is connected to the first spiral guide vane.

[0008] Optionally, the helical axis of the second helical guide vane coincides with the axis of the guide tube.

[0009] Optionally, the number of the second spiral guide vanes is the same as the number of the first spiral guide vanes, and the number of the second spiral guide vanes is 2-6.

[0010] Optionally, the guide tube is provided with perforations that are aligned with the electrodes in the magnetohydrodynamic thruster.

[0011] Optionally, the inner wall of the guide tube is provided with an anti-corrosion coating.

[0012] Optionally, the anti-corrosion coating material is one or more of epoxy resin coating, chlorinated rubber coating, polyurethane coating, glass flake coating, and inorganic zinc-rich coating.

[0013] Optionally, a recessed groove is provided on the side of the pipe opening facing the guide tube.

[0014] Optionally, the guide tube and the pipe opening are integrally formed.

[0015] Optionally, the side of the pipe opening facing the guide tube is provided with a protruding connecting part, and the connecting part is provided with an annular groove.

[0016] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, this application has the following beneficial effects: This application sets up a guide tube and a nozzle, and fixes the guide tube and nozzle to the nozzle. When the nozzle is connected to the end of the fluid channel in the magnetohydrodynamic thruster, the guide tube is inserted into the fluid channel and communicates with the nozzle. A first spiral guide vane is set inside the nozzle to guide the flow direction of the fluid. Thus, when the fluid flows from the guide tube to the nozzle and flows out of the nozzle, the fluid spirals out along the first spiral guide vane, so that the fluid changes from axial flow to spiral flow. The centrifugal force generated by the spiral flow makes the fluid flow tightly against the inner wall of the nozzle, thereby suppressing the radial diffusion of the fluid and reducing the free diffusion of the fluid when it flows out of the nozzle. Therefore, the thrust can be concentrated and the propulsion efficiency of the magnetohydrodynamic thruster can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the flow channel structure of a magnetohydrodynamic thruster according to this application; Figure 2 This is another schematic diagram of the flow channel structure of a magnetohydrodynamic thruster according to this application; Figure 3 This is yet another schematic diagram of the flow channel structure of a magnetohydrodynamic thruster according to this application; Figure 4 This is another schematic diagram of the flow channel structure of a magnetohydrodynamic thruster according to this application; In the figure, the flow guide tube is 01, the pipe opening is 02, the first spiral flow guide blade is 03, the second spiral flow guide blade is 04, the perforation is 05, the recessed groove is 06, and the connecting part is 07. Detailed Implementation

[0018] In this application, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "middle", "vertical", "horizontal", "lateral", "longitudinal" and other terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only used to describe the relative positional relationship between the components or parts and do not specifically limit the specific installation orientation of each component or part.

[0019] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0020] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0021] Furthermore, the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., drawn in the accompanying drawings of this application are only used to complement the content disclosed in the specification for those skilled in the art to understand and read, and are not intended to limit the conditions under which this application can be implemented. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modification to the structure, change in the proportional relationship, or adjustment of the size, without affecting the effects and purposes that this application can produce, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this application.

[0022] The technical solutions of this application will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] See Figures 1 to 4 The present application provides a flow channel structure for a magnetohydrodynamic thruster, comprising: The guide tube 01 and the port 02 are fixedly connected to the port 02. When the port 02 is connected to the end of the fluid channel in the magnetohydrodynamic thruster, the guide tube 01 is inserted into the fluid channel. The guide tube 01 is connected to the port 02. A first spiral guide vane 03 is provided inside the port 02. The first spiral guide vane 03 is used to guide the flow direction of the fluid.

[0024] Fluids contain a certain number of charged particles (such as ions or free electrons) and have electrical conductivity, such as seawater. For ease of description, seawater will be used as the main application fluid in the following detailed description.

[0025] The end of the fluid channel is the outlet of seawater. When the port 02 is connected to the end of the fluid channel in the magnetohydrodynamic thruster, the guide tube 01 will be inserted into the fluid channel. The magnetic field and electric field in the magnetohydrodynamic thruster will act on the guide tube 01, causing the seawater in the guide tube 01 to move in a directional direction toward the port 02.

[0026] The guide tube 01 and the pipe 02 are connected by a fixed method, such as welding, threaded connection or flange connection, to ensure the connection strength and sealing between the two.

[0027] When the fluid flows along the guide tube 01 toward the nozzle 02, the first spiral guide vane 03 guides the flow of the fluid, causing the fluid to rotate within the nozzle 02. This improves the efficiency of converting the fluid's kinetic energy into propulsion, thereby enhancing the overall propulsion efficiency of the magnetohydrodynamic thruster.

[0028] The guide tube 01 is cylindrical in shape with a smooth inner wall to reduce frictional resistance when seawater flows.

[0029] In this embodiment, by setting a guide tube 01 and a nozzle 02, the guide tube 01 and the nozzle 02 are fixedly connected. When the nozzle 02 is connected to the end of the fluid channel in the magnetohydrodynamic thruster, the guide tube 01 is inserted into the fluid channel, and the guide tube 01 is connected to the nozzle 02. A first spiral guide vane 03 is set inside the nozzle 02. The first spiral guide vane 03 is used to guide the flow direction of the fluid. Thus, when the fluid flows from the guide tube 01 to the nozzle 02 and flows out from the nozzle 02, the fluid spirals out along the first spiral guide vane 03, so that the fluid changes from axial flow to spiral flow. The centrifugal force generated by the spiral flow makes the fluid flow tightly against the inner wall of the nozzle 02, thereby suppressing the radial diffusion of the fluid and reducing the free diffusion of the fluid when it flows out of the nozzle 02. Therefore, the thrust can be concentrated and the propulsion efficiency of the magnetohydrodynamic thruster can be improved.

[0030] In an optional embodiment, a second spiral guide vane 04 is provided inside the guide tube 01, and the second spiral guide vane 04 is connected to the first spiral guide vane 03.

[0031] The second spiral guide vane 04 connects with the first spiral guide vane 03 inside the pipe opening 02 to form a continuous spiral guide channel (a continuous spiral guide channel from the guide tube 01 to the pipe opening 02). Seawater moves directionally towards the pipe opening 02 within the guide tube 01 under the influence of Lorentz force. The second spiral guide vane 04 influences the seawater flow, causing it to form an initial rotating flow within the guide tube 01. This gives the seawater a certain rotational tendency before it enters the pipe opening 02, helping the fluid better adapt to further rotation within the pipe opening 02 and reducing flow resistance within the channel structure.

[0032] The second helical guide vane 04 and the first helical guide vane 03 form a continuous helical guide channel, in which seawater flows in a helical pattern, thereby reducing energy loss and improving the efficiency of converting the seawater's kinetic energy into propulsion. The helically flowing seawater is constrained when it exits the pipe 02, reducing its free diffusion into the surrounding water, resulting in a more concentrated thrust and thus improving the propulsion efficiency of the magnetohydrodynamic thruster.

[0033] In addition, the continuous spiral guide channel reduces the turbulence and eddies of seawater in the guide tube 01, making the velocity distribution of seawater more uniform and reducing vibration and noise during the operation of the propeller.

[0034] The second spiral guide vane 04 extends spirally from the end of the guide tube 01 toward the nozzle 02 (spiraling along the inner wall of the guide tube 01), and finally connects with the first spiral guide vane 03.

[0035] In this optional embodiment, the helical axis of the second helical guide vane 04 coincides with the axis of the guide tube 01. In this embodiment, the coincidence of the helical axis of the second helical guide vane 04 with the axis of the guide tube 01, as well as the interconnection of the double helical guide vanes, makes the flow of seawater within the guide tube 01 smoother, reduces energy loss caused by seawater turbulence and disturbance, and improves the efficiency of converting seawater kinetic energy into propulsion.

[0036] In this optional embodiment, the number of second spiral guide vanes 04 is the same as the number of first spiral guide vanes 03, and the number of second spiral guide vanes 04 is 2-6.

[0037] The number of second spiral guide vanes 04 is between 2 and 6, and they are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the guide tube 01. For example, when the number is 3, the second spiral guide vanes 04 are evenly distributed at 120° intervals with the axis of the guide tube 01 as the center; the even distribution can ensure that the seawater is uniformly guided in the guide tube 01.

[0038] Both the second spiral guide vane 04 and the first spiral guide vane 03 are made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant materials, such as high-strength plastics, titanium alloys, or special ceramic materials, to ensure long-term stable operation in complex fluid environments.

[0039] In an optional embodiment, the guide tube 01 is provided with a perforation 05, which is aligned with the electrodes in the magnetohydrodynamic thruster. When the guide tube 01 is inserted into the fluid channel in the magnetohydrodynamic thruster, the electrodes on the magnetohydrodynamic thruster pass through the perforation 05 on the guide tube 01 and come into contact with the seawater, making the seawater in the guide tube 01 conductive, thereby forming an electric field that facilitates the stable generation of Lorentz force.

[0040] In an optional embodiment, the inner wall of the guide tube 01 is provided with an anti-corrosion coating.

[0041] In the operating environment of the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) thruster, the inner wall of the guide tube 01 is in direct contact with seawater. Seawater contains various chemical substances, such as salt, acidic, or alkaline substances, which can corrode the inner wall of the guide tube 01 over a long period of time, easily affecting its service life and potentially increasing the surface roughness of the inner wall. This, in turn, affects the flow characteristics of the fluid within the guide tube 01, reducing the propulsion efficiency and performance stability of the MHD thruster. Therefore, in this embodiment, an anti-corrosion coating is provided on the inner wall of the guide tube 01 to increase its service life.

[0042] In this optional embodiment, the anti-corrosion coating material is one or more of epoxy resin coating, chlorinated rubber coating, polyurethane coating, glass flake coating, and inorganic zinc-rich coating.

[0043] In this embodiment, the combined use of various coatings can fully leverage the advantages of each coating and compensate for the shortcomings of a single coating. For example, combining epoxy resin coating with polyurethane coating can ensure the adhesion and chemical corrosion resistance of the coating while improving its hardness and wear resistance; combining glass flake coating with inorganic zinc-rich coating can further improve the coating's corrosion resistance and temperature resistance.

[0044] In an optional embodiment, a recessed groove 06 is provided on the side of the nozzle 02 facing the guide tube 01. In this embodiment, the recessed groove 06 can reduce material costs; in addition, when the nozzle 02 is integrated into the magnetohydrodynamic thruster, the recessed groove 06 serves as an internal space, which can be filled with hydraulic oil to balance the internal and external pressures, thereby balancing the internal and external pressures of the magnetohydrodynamic thruster.

[0045] In an optional embodiment, the guide tube 01 and the nozzle 02 are integrally molded. The guide tube 01 and the nozzle 02 are formed into a single unit through an integral molding process, reducing the connection gap between them. This effectively reduces seawater leakage at the connection point, ensuring that seawater can flow smoothly along the predetermined flow path, thereby improving the propulsion efficiency of the magnetohydrodynamic thruster. Simultaneously, the complete structure enhances the overall strength and rigidity, enabling it to better withstand external forces such as seawater impact and vibration.

[0046] Please continue reading. Figure 4 In an optional embodiment, a protruding connecting portion 07 is provided on one side of the nozzle 02 facing the guide tube 01, and an annular groove is provided on the connecting portion 07. The outer diameter of the connecting portion 07 is smaller than the outer diameter of the nozzle 02, and the outer diameter of the connecting portion 07 is larger than the outer diameter of the guide tube 01. The connecting portion 07 is used to cooperate with the outer shell in the magnetohydrodynamic thruster to seal the magnet shielding chamber in the magnetohydrodynamic thruster, thereby reducing the entry of seawater into the magnet shielding chamber and reducing the impact of seawater on the electrodes and magnetic pole components. Therefore, in this embodiment, an annular groove is provided on the connecting portion 07, and the annular groove cooperates with the shell for sealing. Specifically, a sealing ring is provided in the annular groove, and the sealing ring can be formed by combining fishing line and polyurethane sealant.

Claims

1. A flow channel structure for a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) thruster, characterized in that, include: The guide tube (01) and the nozzle (02) are fixedly connected to the nozzle (02). When the nozzle (02) is connected to the end of the fluid channel in the magnetohydrodynamic thruster, the guide tube (01) is inserted into the fluid channel. The guide tube (01) is connected to the pipe opening (02), and a first spiral guide vane (03) is provided inside the pipe opening (02). The first spiral guide vane (03) is used to guide the flow direction of the fluid.

2. The flow channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide tube (01) is provided with a second spiral guide vane (04), which is connected to the first spiral guide vane (03).

3. The flow channel structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The helical axis of the second helical guide vane (04) coincides with the axis of the guide tube (01).

4. The flow channel structure according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The number of the second spiral guide vanes (04) is the same as the number of the first spiral guide vanes (03), and the number of the second spiral guide vanes (04) is 2-6.

5. The flow channel structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The guide tube (01) is provided with a perforation (05), which is aligned with the electrode in the magnetohydrodynamic thruster.

6. The flow channel structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The inner wall of the guide tube (01) is provided with an anti-corrosion coating.

7. The flow channel structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The anti-corrosion coating is made of one or more of the following materials: epoxy resin coating, chlorinated rubber coating, polyurethane coating, glass flake coating, and inorganic zinc-rich coating.

8. The flow channel structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The side of the pipe opening (02) facing the guide tube (01) is provided with a recessed groove (06).

9. The flow channel structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The guide tube (01) and the pipe opening (02) are integrally formed.

10. The flow channel structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The side of the pipe opening (02) facing the guide tube (01) is provided with a protruding connecting part (07), and the connecting part (07) is provided with an annular groove.