Recent advances in open cycle MHD electrical power generation

The report attempts to summarise the recent developments in the field ofmhd electric power generation and identify the problem areas needing further R and D efforts to achieve commercial acceptance of the process. During the last two decades there has been active interest in the development of this technology. A large volume of literature is available in published form, apart from the unpublished information of commercial value. Judging from this standpoint this report cannot be considered exhaustive. Nevertheless it integrates the scattered information in a condensed volume which would be useful in extrapolating the future trends of development while assessing the present status of the technology. To make this report self-contained and complete, the fundamental principles ofmhd power generation have also been included. Themhd project in India is fully sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology under whose auspices this report has been prepared.