MHD Full Form

What is the full form of MHD?

MHD stands for Magneto Hydrodynamics. This word is derived from magneto - meaning magnetic field, hydro - meaning water and dynamics meaning movement. Magneto Hydrodynamics is the study of the magnetic properties and behaviour of electrically conducting fluids. The key concept behind Magneto Hydrodynamics is that magnetic fields can induce currents in a moving conductive field, which in turn polarises the fluid and reciprocally changes the magnetic field itself. Magneto Hydrodynamics is a direct energy conversion process in which thermal energy is used to convert to electrical energy. MHD plays an important role in the power industry.

This Story also Contains

1. What is the full form of MHD?
2. History of MHD
3. Study of MHD
4. Applications of MHD
5. Advantages of MHD
6. Disadvantages of MHD

History of MHD

The field of study of MHD was initiated by Mr. Hannes Alfven (1908-1995). In 1970, Mr. Alfven was conferred the honour of the Nobel Prize for his research in this field. Mr. Alfven who worked towards these fundamental discoveries in MHD, was able to put various important applications of Physics to use in different parts of plasma physics.

Study of MHD

Magneto Hydrodynamics is a macroscopic theory. Few examples of magnetic fluids are saltwater, electrolytes, plasma and liquid metals. Magneto Hydrodynamics is a mathematical-physical concept which is mainly related to the dynamics of different magnetic fields which flow within electrically conducting fluids. The study of MHD expressed that magnetic fields could be supported by the conductive fields which is the main key point of Magneto Hydrodynamics. Magnetism is mainly throughout the earth’s ecosystem, interstellar medium etc. These types of magnetic fields are generated and maintained by MHD.

The MHD system is a non-conventional source of energy which is based upon Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction. This law says that when an electrical conductor moves relative to a magnetic field, EMF is induced in the conductor which results in flow of current across the terminals.

Applications of MHD

Following are the various applications of MHD:

• MHD can be used as a backup system in power plants

• Driving submarines, aircraft uses MHD generator

• Used to generate electric power

• Used in defense also

Advantages of MHD

Here is the list of few advantages of MHD:

• Vibration and noise are eliminated

• This system produces the power without pollution

• The maintenance cost is low

• Low operational cost and better fuel utilisation

• There are no moving parts. So, it is more reliable.

• Less cost of power generation

• Less fuel consumption

• This is high efficient than conventional power plant

• MHD generators have high power density, rapid start and low specific weight

Disadvantages of MHD

Here is the list of few disadvantages of MHD:

• High amount of losses due to fluid friction

• Need large magnets to create high magnetic field and this is a major expense

• Need high temperature and due to high temperature stresses, parts of MHD generator have shorter life

• Choice of material is very less

• There are some technical limitations on enhancing the fluid conductivity and the strength of magnetic field