Today we’re publishing three articles on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) propulsion, a means of propelling a ship without moving parts like paddlewheels or propellers. Instead, MHD relies on passing electrical currents through the water, effectively turning the water itself into part of an electric motor, where the only thing that moves is the water.

Here’s a quick guide to the articles:

• First Demonstrate magnetohydrodynamic propulsion in one minute. You’ll need a magnet, a battery, two wires, water, and salt and pepper.
  
• Next, Build a simple boat that propels itself with a magnetohydrodynamic drive.
  
• Finally Get serious, and start hacking magnetohydrodynamic propulsion systems into RC boats.

PS: Happy International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Arr.

After trying out our simple demonstration of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) propulsion, you might want to make something a little more “practical.” Here’s how to build a simple little boat that moves through salt water (at a snail’s pace) via MHD propulsion.

The craft is not designed for performance; it’s designed to demonstrate a functional MHD craft made with inexpensive, easily available materials. While it may move slowly, hey, it moves, and you can make it in about five minutes.
Continue reading MHD II: Make a magnetohydrodynamic propulsion boat →

Rember the silent caterpillar drive from the movie The Hunt for Red October? The caterpillar drive was a fictional magnetohydrodynamic propulsion system. Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) propulsion is a means of using electrical current, instead of a noisy propeller, to push a ship through the water.
Surprisingly enough, a working example of this futuristic drive system is quite easy to build. Assuming that you’ve got the materials handy, you can build one in about a minute. You’ll need a strong magnet, two pieces of thick copper wire, a little dish of warm water, salt and pepper, and a regular battery.
Continue reading MHD I: Demonstrate Magnetohydrodynamic Propulsion in a Minute →