Power output of an MHD generator: Effect of ionization instability and boundary layer

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation of the effect of ionization instability on effective conductivity and power output of an MHD generator in the presence of velocity/temperature boundary layer. Analysis is based on a phenomenological approach. It is concluded that the ratio of power output (in the presence of ionization instability) to the power output (without ionization instability) increases with an increase in the boundary layer thickness. Effective conductivity and power output both are found to decrease with the increasing magnetic field.