Abstract:
Magnetohydrodynamic transduction has been successfully demonstrated in the conversion of acoustic to electric energy in a thermoacoustic prime mover [Swift, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 83, 350 (1988); Swift et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 78, 767 (1985)]. The reciprocal effect [Swift and Garrett, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 81, 1619 (1987)]---the magnetohydrodynamic generation of sound---is also potentially attractive for production of high-amplitude standing waves in gases since the moving fluid does not require a flexure or piston seal. Results will be presented for an experimental device which compresses gases above a fluid-filled U-tube driven magnetohydrodynamically at resonance. Electroacoustic efficiencies for mercury and potassium chloride conductivity standards will be related to transducer parameters (e.g., magnetic induction, electrode dimensions, tube diameter, fluid viscosity, etc.). [Work supported by the Office of Naval Research.]