Experiments on a SiC-CuG1-Cu insulator and a construction of 5 MWt long duration MHD channel

Summary form only given. A 5-MWt open-cycle experimental magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator test train for high enthalpy extraction has been constructed. To find a suitable insulator construction for the generator channel, some new elements were prepared with the aim of solving some of the compliant and bonding problems in existing elements. Some improved versions (CuG₁ and CuG₂ ) of the grooved copper compliant structure, CuG, were prepared with the aim of reducing the manufacturing costs of the element and improving the bonding condition. New insulator elements (SiC-CuG₁ -Cu and SiC-CuG₂-Cu types) were prepared, and these new compliant layers were bonded to SiC ceramics. Rigorous thermal-shock tests were performed on these elements in heat-flux condition up to 600 W/cm². The SiC-CuG₁-Cu element containing the new CuG₁ compliant layer with a 60% effective bonding area showed the best all-around results, including bonding capability and low production costs