A Theoretical Analysis for a Magnetohydrodynamic Drive assisted Hydro Pneumatic Marine Ramjet

Publication Date

2026

Presentation Length

Poster/Gallery presentation

College

College of Sciences & Mathematics

Department

Biology, Department of

Student Level

Undergraduate

Faculty Mentor

Beth Bowman

Presentation Type

Poster

Summary

Noise pollution is an inevitable side effect for any form of nautical propulsion. Currently, the most efficient and reliable technology for moving across water is the propellor. This also happens to be one of the worst sources of harmful underwater noise pollution. The ends of propellors create low pressure areas, allowing water to vaporize, rapidly forming and collapsing a bubble. The constant creation and cavitating collapse of these bubbles generate a sort of sound fog. This makes it very difficult for marine life like whales to communicate, leading to confusion, stress, and behavioral changes. There are a wide range of methods that induce force on seawater without solid moving parts; many avoiding harmful cavitation. Using the expansion of pressurized air bubbles to induce motion into flowing water, hydro pneumatic propulsion, is one of these methods. A magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) drive can magnetically pull the seawater to provide the needed flow. Computer Simulations were used primarily for measuring the intake water pressure needed to maintain a flow against the air bubbles light back pressure. Simulations showed that the optimal air injection for maximized thrust would not overwhelm available intake water pressure. This shows the viability of a silent MHD-assisted hydro pneumatic propulsion system.

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