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(19) United States(12) Patent Application Publication

Haramein(10) Pub. No.: US 2009/0108682 Al(43) Pub. Date: Apr. 30, 2009

(54) DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SIMULATIONOF MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS

(52) U.S. Cl. 310111

(57) ABSTRACT

(76) Inventor: Nassim Harameln, Holualoa, HI(US)

(51) Int. Cl.H02K 44108 (2006.01)

A magnetohydrodynamic simulator that includes a plasmacontainer. The magnetohydrodynamic simulator alsoincludes an first ionizable gas substantially contained withinthe plasma container. In addition, the magnetohydrodynamicsimulator also includes a first loop posit ioned adjacent to theplasma container, wherein the first loop includes a gap, a firstelectrical connection on a first side of the gap, a secondelectrical connection of a second side of the gap, and a firstmaterial having at least one of low magnetic susceptibilityand high conductivity. The first loop can be made up from anassembly of one or a plethora or wire loop coils . In such cases,electrical connection is made through the ends of the coilwires. The magnetohydrodynamic simulator further includesan electrically conductive first coil wound about the plasmacontainer and through the first loop.

Correspondence Address:DRINKER BIDDLE & REATH (DC)1500 K STREET, N.W., SUITE 1100WASHINGTON, DC 20005-1209 (US)

(21) Appl. No.: 11/976,364

(22) Filed: Oct. 24, 2007

Publication Classification

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DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SIMULATIONOF MAGNETO HYDRODYNAMICS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to devicesand methods useful in replicating the magnetohydrodynam-ics occurring in a variety of astrophysical objects. More par-ticularly, the present invention relates to devices and methodsuseful in performing such replication in a low-energy, con-trolled laboratory environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Approximately ninety-six percent of the observableuniverse is made up ofmatter that is in a plasma state. As such,in an effort to better understand the universe, the scientificcommunity has dedicated a significant amount of time,energy, and resources to the generation and study of plasmas.The results of some of these efforts are discussed below.[0003] Scientific studies have indicated that plasmas ofwidely different geometric scales experience similar phe-nomena. For example, similar types ofplasma phenomena areobserved in galactic clusters, galactic formations, galactichalos, black hole ergospheres, other stellar objects, and plan-etary atmospheres. In order to take advantage of this apparentgeometric-scale-independence of plasmas, scientific deviceshave been manufactured that attempt to replicate the motionof the ions in large-scale plasmas (e.g., plasmas of galacticformations) on geometric scales that are containable in anearthly laboratory setting.[0004] To date, these devices have utilized liquids (i.e.,liquid sodium) or charged liquids (i.e., charged liquidsodium) to model large astrophysical plasmas. These deviceshave also relied upon the use of strong magnetic fields toguide ions in the liquids or charged liquids a long paths thations in a plasma would follow.[0005] The above notwithstanding, by definition, actualplasmas are gaseous. In other words, actua l plasmas do notcontain matter in a liquid or charged liquid state and usingions in liquids or charged liquids to replicate the behavior ofions in a plasma may have shortcomings. Accordingly, itwould be desirable to provide novel devices capable of simu-lating the magnetohydrodynamics oflarge-scale plasmas in anon-liquid medium.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, bycertain embodiments of the present invention. For example,according to one embodiment of the present invention, amagnetohydrodynamic simulator is provided. The magneto-hydrodynamic simulator includes a plasma container. Themagnetohydrodynamic simulator also includes an first ioniz-able gas substantially contained within the plasma container.In addition, the magnetohydrodynamic simulator alsoinc ludes a first loop positioned adjacent to the plasma con-tainer, wherein the first loop includes a gap, a first electricalconnection on a first side of the gap, a second electricalconnection of a second side of the gap, and a first materialhaving at least one of low magnetic susceptibility and highconductivity. The magnetohydrodynamic simulator furtherincludes an electrically conductive first coil wound about theplasma container and through the first loop.[0007] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, anembodiment of the invention in order that the detailed

Apr. 30, 20091

description thereof herein may be better understood, and inorder that the present contribution to the art may be betterappreciated. There are, of course, additional embodiments ofthe invention that will be described below and which will

form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.[0008] In this respect, before explaining at least oneembodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understoodthat the invention isnot limited in its application to the detailsof construction and tothe arrangements of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the draw-ings. The invention is capable of embodiments in addit ion tothose described and of being practiced and carried out invarious ways. Also, itis to be understood that the phraseologyand terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, arefor the purpose of description and should not be regarded aslimiting.[0009] As such, those skilled in the art will apprec iate thatthe conception upon which this disclosure is based mayreadily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other struc-

tures, methods and systems for carrying out the several pur-poses of the present invention. It is important, therefore, thatthe claims be regarded as including such equivalent construc-t ions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 il lustrates a perspective view of a plurali ty ofribs included in a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulatoraccording to an embodiment of the present invention.[0011] FIG. 2 il lustrates a cross-sectional view of ribs andother components included in an MHD simulator accordingto another embodiment of the present invention.[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view ofthe ribs il lustrated inFIG. 1, along with other components included in the MHDsimulator that includes these ribs.[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a rib according tocertain embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The invention will now be described with referenceto the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals referto like parts throughout. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective viewof a plurality of ribs 10 included in a magnetohydrodynamic(MHD) simulator 12 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view ofribs 10 and other components included in an MHD simulator12 according to another embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 3 illustra tes a side view of the ribs 10 illustrated in FIG.

1, along with other components included in the MHD simu-lator 12 that includes the ribs 10.[0015] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the MHD simulator 12includes a plasma container 14 positioned substantially at thecenter thereof. The plasma container 14 may be of any geom-etry. However, a substantially spherical plasma container 14is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. Also, although the plasma con-tainer 14 may be supported within the MHD simulator 12 inany manner that will become apparent to one of skill in the artupon practicing one or more embodiments of the presentinvention, the plasma container 14 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 isconnected to some of the ribs 10 via a plurali ty of supports 16.[0016] The plasma container 14 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 hasa hollow interior and a solid exterior made of drawn crystal.

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However, other materials may also be used to form the exte-rior according to certain embodiments of the present inven-tion.

[0017] Contained within the plasma container 14 are one ormore ionizable gases. For example, argon, nitrogen, helium,xenon, neon, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and/or kryp-ton may be contained within the plasma container 14, as maya variety of other gases. Typically, before one or more gasesare added to the plasma container 14, the interior of theplasma container 14 is evacuated to a vacuum.

[0018] As il lustrated in FIG. 2, the MHD device 12includesan ionization source 18 that is focused on the plasma con-tainer 14. More specifically, the ionization source 18 isfocused on a substantially central port ion of the plasma con-tainer 14. According to certa in embodiments of the presentinvention, the ionization source 18 is situated such that anenergy beam emitted therefrom (e.g., a laser beam illustratedas the dashed line in FIG. 2) strikes the plasma container 14without contacting any of the ribs 10 included in the MHD

simulator 12.[0019] Although the ionization source 18illustrated inFIG.2 is a laser, other sources of ionization energy may be used toionize the one or more gases in the plasma conta iner 14. Forexample, a radio frequency (RF) ionization source may beused. Also, according to certain embodiments of the presentinvention, one or more lasers may be used, as may one ormore mirrors to direct the laser beam(s) to the plasma con-tainer 14, typically through one of the poles (N, S) of theMHD simulator 12 illustrated in FIG. 1. Lasers that may beused include phase conjugate laser, continuous lasers, andpulsed lasers.

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a rib 10 according tocertain embodiments of the present invention. As illustratedin FIG. 4, the rib 10 is a loop that, as illustrated in FIG. 2, ispositioned adjacent to the plasma container 14. However,rather than being closed, the loop includes a gap 20. On eitherside of the gap 20 are electrical connections 22 (i.e., electricalcontact points) to which electrical wires (not illustrated) maybe connected.

[0021] According to certain embodiments of the presentinvention, the ribs 10 are constructed to include loops ofconductive material wrapped around a solid rib 10. In addi-tion, according to certain embodiments of the present inven-tion, the ribs 10 are formed from loops of conductive materialto form coil structures with a plurality oflayers. Some oftheselayers, according to certain embodiments of the presentinvention, are used to monitor the coil 's f ield interactions byinductive processes.

[0022] Also, according to certain embodiments of thepresent invention, another independent winding is added tothe coil inside the ribs 10. According to such embodiments,the coil is typically toroidal and the independent winding isused for monitor purposes through induction processes. Forexample, using such induction processes, pulse rate, amper-age, voltage levels, etc. may be monitored.

[0023] Typically, the above-discussed ribs 10 are madefrom materials having low magnetic susceptibility and/orhigh conductivity. For example, according to certain embodi-ments of the present invention, the ribs 10 include aluminum.Also, the cross-section of the rib 10 illustrated in FIG. 4,according to certain embodiments of the present invention, issubstantia lly square . However, other geometries are alsowithin the scope of the present invention.

Apr. 30, 20092

[0024] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the rib 10 includes a proxi-mate arcuate portion 24 and a distal arcuate portion 26 (rela-tive to the plasma conta iner 14 when the MHD simulator 12is in operation). The rib 10 illustrated in FIG. 4 also includes

a pair of substantially linear portions 28, 30, each connectedto both the proximate arcuate portion 24 and the distal arcuateportions 26.

[0025] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the proximate arcuate por-tion 24 and the distal arcuate portion 26lie substantially alongportions of the circumferences of two substantially concen-tric circles of different sizes (not illustrated). According tocertain embodiments of the present invention, the proximatearcuate portion 24 and the distal arcuate portion 26 eachextend across approximately 70.52 angular degrees. How-ever, according to other embodiments of the present inven-tion, the arcuate portions 24, 26 may extend across additionalor fewer angular degrees. For example, as il lustrated in FIG.2, the ribs 10 illustrated at the top and bottom of the MHDsimulator 12 extend across approximately 51.26 angular

degrees while the ribs 10 illustrated in the middle of the MHDsimulator 12 extend across approximately 19.47 angulardegrees.

[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 1, there are twelve duos 32 ofribs 10 that are substantially atop each other. Each rib 10included in each duo 32 is substantially coplanar with theother rib 10 in the duo 32. As also illustrated in FIG. 1, if aplasma container 14were included in the portion of the MHDsimulator 12 il lustrated therein, each duo 32 of ribs 10 wouldbe positioned adjacent to the plasma container 14. Also, thetwelve duos 32 would be positioned at substantially equalintervals about the plasma container 14. It should be notedthat, according to alternate embodiments of the present inven-tion, more or less than twelve duos 32 are included. Theseduos 32 are typically also placed at substantially equal inter-

vals about the plasma container 14.[0027] FIG. 2 illustra tes two quartets 34 of ribs 10. Like theribs 10 in the duos 32 discussed above, each rib 10 in eachquartet 34 is substantially coplanar with the other ribs 10 inthe quartet 34. According to certain embodiments of thepresent invention, twelve quartets 34 are positioned about aplasma container 14 at substantially equal intervals. How-ever, the inclusion of additional or fewer than twelve quartets34 is also within the scope of certain embodiments of thepresent invention.

[0028] In addition to the components discussed above, theMHD simulator 12 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a top interiorcoil 36, an upper middle interior coil 38, a lower middleinterior coil 40, and a bottom interior coil 42. Each of thesecoils 36, 38, 40, 42 is wound about the plasma container 14

and traverses through at least one of the ribs 10.[0029] Also illustrated in FIG. 2 is an exterior coil 44 that iswound about the plasma container 14 and that does nottraverse through any of the ribs 10. Rather the exterior coil 44also winds about the ribs 10. According to certain embodi-ments of the present invention, instead of a single exterior coil44 being utilized, each of the inner coils 36, 38, 40, 42 has anassociated exterior coil (not i llustrated) that is wound aboutthe set of ribs through which the inner coil in question 36,38,40, 42 traverses.

[0030] Each of these coils 36, 38, 40, 42, 44 typicallyincludes one or more conductive materials. For example,copper is used according to certain embodiments of thepresent invention.

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[0031] As discussed above, each rib 10 includes a pair ofelectrical connections 22. These electrical connections 22may be connected to one or more wires and/or electricaldevices. Also, it should be noted that each of the above-

discussed coils 36, 38, 40, 42, 44 may be connected to one ormore wires, electrical circuits, and/or electronic devices.[0032] Certain circuits and/or devices according toembodiments of the present invention are used to switchvarious current and/or voltage levels to individual or plurali-ties of ribs 10, inner coils 36, 38, 40, 42, and/or outer coils 44discussed above. This switching, according to certainembodiments of the present invention, produces one or moreelectromagnetic fields, some of which may be orthogonal toother fields and/or which may be rotating.[0033] In effect, in the embodiments of the present inven-tion discussed above, each rib 10 may effectively become aone-loop or a multiple-loop electromagnet that is pulsed insequence to produce a rotating magnetic field that would bevertically oriented inthe embodiment ofthe present invention

illustrated in FIG. 1. Also, the inner and/or outer coils 36, 38,40, 42, 44, either individually, in pairs, ctc., may be used tocreate one or more substantially horizontal magnetic fields inFIG. 1.[0034] In order to generate the above-mentioned fields, theribs 10 and coils 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, may be operably con-nected to, for example, off-the-shelf current-limited powersupplies. Depending on the embodiment of the present inven-tion, single or multiple ribs 10 may be powered with either asingle or multiple power supplies.[0035] Computers and electronic switches are also usedaccording to certain embodiments of the present invention tocontrol various combinations ofpower supply, coil, and/or rib10 connections. For example, a rapid MOSFET switchingcircuit may be used to control the flow of current to one ormore of the above-discussed coils 36, 38, 40, 42, 44. Also, adigital interface to a control computer may be provided togive a scientist a graphical interface to simplify operation ofthe MHD simulator 12.[0036] In addition to the above-listed components, sensorsand/or other devices may be included in the MHD simulator12 in order to quantify what is happening in the plasmacontainer 14 and to monitor and control the MHD simulator12 itself. For example, Langmuir probes may be included tomeasure electron temperature, electron density, and/orplasma potential. Also, electrometers may be included tomeasure electrostatic fields, current and/or voltage may bemonitored and/or recorded through outputs on the powersupplies, and Hall Effect sensors and/or the above-mentionedmonitoring coils may be used to measure magnetic fields. Inaddition, temperatures within the MHD simulator 12 may bemeasured using thermocouple probes and/or "Heat Spy"devices. Also, Uv, IR, and visible light bands may berecorded using appropriate CCD cameras and/or photomul-tiplier tubes. Such Uv, visible, and/or IR imaging sensorsmay be configured with telescopes, endoscopes and/or fiber-optic bundle systems to relay the images to cameras or otherdetectors. In addition, two or more rod lens endoscopes maybe arranged so that images can be taken as ste reo pairs, thusallowing for detailed photogrammetry of plasma shapes andthe like within the plasma container 14. Typically, the tele -scope would be arranged so that its optical path is at rightangles to the laser optical path. When observations areneeded, a scientist may move a right prism on a swing arminto the laser optical path.

Apr. 30, 20093

[0037] Other sensors may also be included to conduct cer-tain experiments. These sensors may be sensors capable ofsensing X-ray flux, gamma ray flux, neutron flux, proton flux,alpha particle flux (e.g., using Geiger counters), a scintillation

counter, and/or various other particle counters.[0038] According to certain embodiments of the presentinvention, providing current to the ribs 10 and/or the inner andouter coils 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, in a properly timed sequence andin specific directions generates rotating double-toroidal flowpatterns in the highly ionized plasma contained in the plasmacontainer 14.[0039] More specifically, in operation, one or more ioniz-able gases are placed in the plasma container 14. The plasmacontainer 14 is then placed in the center cavity of the substan-t ially spherical structure formed by the ribs 10 and inner andouter coils 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, discussed above. The ionizationsource 18 is then energized and used to ionize the gases intheplasma container 14. Pulsing of the inner and outer coils isthen initiated at the same time as the rib pulsing.[0040] One representative reason for generating the above-mentioned rotating double-toroidal flow patterns in thehighly ionized plasma contained inthe plasma container 14 isthe result of evidence that this pattern is found in the universeat multiple scales. For example, there is evidence that thecirculation of matter around galaxies, including black holes'ergo spheres , is closely modeled to such a double torus pa t-tern, which is predicted by the Haramein-Rauscher solutionto Einstein's field equation. Furthermore, examples of thatpattern are found in quasars, pulsars and the Corio lis forces ofthe plasma dynamics surrounding our sun and planets such asSaturn and Jupiter. Devices according to certain embodi-ments of the present invention, allow for such patterns to begenerated in a low-energy lab environment.[0041] The many features and advantages of the inventionare apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it isintended by the appended claims to cover all such featuresand advantages of the invention which fall within the truespirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerousmodifications and variations will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to theexact construction and operation il lustrated and described,and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalentsmay be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:1. A magnetohydrodynamic simulator, comprising:a plasma container;an first ionizable gas substantially contained within the

plasma container;a first loop positioned adjacent to the plasma container,

wherein the first loop includes a gap, a first electrica l

connection on a first side of the gap, a second electricalconnection of a second side of the gap, and a first mate-rial having a t least one of low magnetic susceptibilityand high conductivity; and

an electrically conductive first coil wound about the plasmacontainer and through the first loop.

2. The magnetohydrodynamic simulator of claim 1,wherein the first loop comprises:

a first arcuate portion;a first linear portion connected to the first arcuate portion:a second linear portion connected to the first arcuate por-

tion; anda second arcuate portion connected to the first linear por-

tion and the second linear portion, wherein the first

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arcuate portion and the second arcuate portion lie sub-stantially along portions of circumferences of substan-tially concentric circles of different sizes.

3. The magnetohydrodynamic simulator of claim 2,

wherein the first arcuate portion extends across approxi-mately 70.52 angular degrees.

4.The magnetohydrodynamic simulator of claim 1, furthercomprising:

a second loop positioned adjacent to the plasma container,wherein the second loop includes a second gap, a thirdelectrical connection on a first side of the second gap anda fourth electrical connection on a second side of thesecond gap, and wherein the second loop includes asecond material having at least one of low magneticsusceptibility and high conductivity.

5. The magnetohydrodynamic simulator of claim 4,wherein the first arcuate portion extends across approxi-mately 51.26 angular degrees and wherein the second loopinc ludes a third arcuate portion extending across approxi-mately 19.47 angular degrees.

6. The magnetohydrodynamic simulator of claim 4,wherein the first arcuate portion extends across approxi-mately 70.52 angular degrees and wherein the second loopinc ludes a third arcuate portion extending across approxi-mately 70.52 angular degrees.

7. The magnetohydrodynamic simulator of claim 6,where in the first loop and the second loop are substantiallycoplanar and thereby make up a first duo of ribs, the simulatorfurther comprising:

eleven additional duos of ribs positioned adjacent to theplasma container, wherein the first duo of ribs and theeleven addit ional duos of ribs are positioned at substan-tially equal intervals about the plasma container.


an electrically conductive second coil wound about theplasma container and through the second loop.


a third loop positioned adjacent to the plasma container,wherein the third loop includes a third gap, a fifth elec-trical connection on a first side of the third gap and asixth electrical connection on a second side of the thirdgap, and wherein the third loop includes a third materialhaving at least one of low magnetic susceptibility andhigh conductivity; and

a fourth loop positioned adjacent to the plasma container,wherein the fourth loop includes a fourth gap, a seventhelectrical connection on a first side of the fourth gap andan eighth electrical connection on a second side of the

fourth gap, and wherein the fourth loop includes a fourthmaterial having at least one of low magnetic suscepti-bility and high conductivity.

10. The magnetohydrodynamic simulator of claim 9,wherein the first loop, the second loop, the third loop, and thefourth loop are all substantially co-planar.

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11. The magnetohydrodynamic simulator of claim 9,wherein the third loop includes a fourth arcuate portionextending across approximately 51.26 angular degrees andwherein the fourth loop includes a fifth arcuate portion

extending across approximately 19.47 angular degrees.12. The magnetohydrodynamic simulator of claim 9, fur-

ther comprising:an electrically conductive third coil wound about the

plasma container and through the third loop; andan electrically conductive fourth coil wound about the

plasma container and through the fourth loop.13. The magnetohydrodynamic simulator of claim 9,

wherein the first loop, the second loop, the third loop, and thefourth loop are all substantially coplanar and thereby make upa first quartet of ribs, the simulator further comprising:

eleven additional quartets of ribs positioned adjacent to theplasma container, wherein the first quartet ofribs and theeleven addit ional quartets of ribs are positioned at sub-stantially equal intervals about the plasma container.

14. The magnetohydrodynamic simulator of claim 1,wherein the plasma container comprises drawn crystal.

15. The magnetohydrodynamic simulator of claim 1, fur-ther comprising:

an ionization source focused on a portion of the plasmacontainer.


circuitry operably connected to the first electrical connec-t ion, the second electrical connection, and the first coil ,wherein the circuitry is configured to apply current to thefirst coil and to apply electrical pulses to the first loop.


an electrically conductive second coil wound about the

plasma container and also wound about an outer perim-eter of the first loop.18. The magnetohydrodynamic simulator of claim 1, fur-

ther comprising:a second ionizable gas substantially contained within the

plasma container.19. The magnetohydrodynamic simulator of claim 13, fur-

ther comprising:circuitry operably connected to the first quartet of ribs and

to the eleven additional quartets of ribs and to the elec-trically conductive first, second, third, and fourth coils,wherein the circuitry is configured to apply current to thefirst quartet of ribs, to the eleven additional quartets ofribs and to the electrically conductive first, second, third,and fourth coils so as to generate substantially orthogo-

nal magnetic fields.20. The magnetohydrodynamic simulator of claim 19,

wherein the circuitry is further configured to cause the mag-netic fields to rotate.

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