Double-duct liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic engine

A magnetohydrodynamic apparatus comprising:

• a first duct having first and second closed, opposite axial ends and a Hartmann portion disposed between the opposite axial ends;
• a second duct having first and second closed, opposite axial ends and a Hartmann portion disposed between the opposite axial ends;
• the Hartmann portions of the first and second ducts being formed by three vertically spaced apart insulating plates, first and second conductive side electrode plates disposed between an upper-most one and a medial one of the three insulating plates, and third and fourth conductive side electrode plates disposed between a lower-most one and the medial one of the three insulating plates;
• a permanent magnet having north and south pole pieces and a gap, the Hartmann portions of the first and second ducts being disposed in the gap of the permanent magnet;
• first and second fluid-moving pistons disposed in opposite end portions of the first duct and confining a quantity of liquid metal therebetween;
• third and fourth fluid-moving pistons disposed in opposite end portions of the second duct and confining a quantity of liquid metal therebetween;
• and
• means for imparting synchronous, reciprocating motion in the first, second, third and fourth fluid-moving pistons to thereby impart reciprocating movement of liquid metal through the first and second ducts in opposite directions.

A method of producing AC electric current comprising the steps of:

• containing a quantity of liquid metal in first duct means;
• containing a quantity of liquid metal in a second duct means;
• juxtaposing a portion of the first and second duct means;
• imparting reciprocating motion in the liquid metal contained in the first and second duct means in opposite directions;
• and
• imposing a magnetic field on the juxtaposed portions of the first and second duct means, thereby generating an AC electric potential as the liquid metal passes through the magnetic field in opposite directions.

A magnetohydrodynamic apparatus comprising:

• first duct means for containing a quantity of liquid metal;
• second duct means for containing a quantity of liquid metal;
• internal combustion means, disposed at opposite ends of each of the first and second duct means, for imparting reciprocating motion in the liquid metal contained in the first and second ducts in opposite directions;
• starter means, disposed in the first and second duct means, for starting the internal combustion means;
• and
• field means for imposing a magnetic field on a portion of the first and second duct means, thereby generating an AC electric potential.