Magnetohydrodynamic Propulsion for Undersea Vehicles

Timings: 

5:00 PM - Social Hour 

6:00PM  - Dinner
7:00PM  - Technical Session & Webcast

 

Presenters: Christopher G. MacLean and Jonathan J. Daus, U.S. Navy & MIT

 

Due to the ever-increasing demand for advanced stealth technology in the undersea domain, coupled with significant progress in superconducting technology, magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) propulsion has once again emerged as a topic of considerable interest. In May 2023, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Defense Sciences Office (DSO) launched the Principles of Undersea Magnetohydrodynamic Pumps (PUMP) program, soliciting designs and prototype developments of MHD propulsors for naval applications. While most research efforts have focused on conduction-based systems, this work investigates the feasibility of an induction-based MHD propulsor for submarines.

For this study, the DARPA SUBOFF bare hull was modeled using full-scale parameters to closely represent a modern submarine. Both theoretical analyses and multiphysics simulations were developed to explore the design trade space within practical limitations. Magnetic fields were modeled using high-temperature superconductor (HTS) tapes capable of generating flux densities up to 20 T, supporting submarine speeds of up to 40 knots. Initial designs incorporated a shrouded propulsor design, but intermediate results shifted focus towards shroudless designs.

This work presents innovative methods to improve the traditionally low efficiencies of MHD systems by mitigating finite-length (end) effects. Furthermore, results show that an induction-based design can be integrated within an existing submarine hull, eliminating the additional drag penalties typically associated with ducted MHD systems. The research demonstrates that induction-based MHD propulsors can generate sufficient thrust to propel the DARPA SUBOFF bare hull at speeds exceeding 30 knots, achieving efficiencies greater than 60% at speeds up to 20 knots.

An overview of the graduate-level Naval Engineering Program at MIT will also be presented.
This presentation is anticipated to be accredited for 1 PDH. To obtain PDH credit, participants must attend the meeting and submit a completed Learning Assessment and Application Form to the designated representative upon conclusion of the meeting. Remote attendees are to submit a completed Learning Assessment and Application Form directly to SNAME.

 

Please E-mail your plans to attend in-person to Bradley Golden, Chairman & Honorary Secretary by Monday, February 9, 2026.

 

Members $40.00
Non-Members $65.00
Student Members $20.00
Student Non-Members $40.00

 

We will also be streaming this presentation via webcast. To register via zoom please use this link.
Once registered, you’ll receive a confirmation with a link to join the event.

 

We encourage inviting prospective new members interested in joining the Institute to attend a technical meeting as a guest of the Eastern USA Branch of the IMarEST.

 

This meeting is being hosted by SMPE.