Principles of Undersea Magnetohydrodynamic Pumps (PUMP)

Background
The Defense Sciences Office (DSO) at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative research proposals in the area of electrode material solutions for high performance magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) pumps. The Principles of Undersea Magnetohydrodynamic Pumps (PUMP) program will develop and demonstrate MHD pumps that match the efficiency, reduce the noise generation, and exceed the reliability of conventional impeller-based pumps. Additionally, the program will develop multi-physics modeling and simulation capabilities for use in design and analysis of magnetohydrodynamic pumps.

Work Details
The PUMP program is a 42-month effort executed over three phases. The program is planned as a 12-month Phase Ia base, a 12-month Phase Ib option, and an 18-month Phase II option.
Phase Ia: Assemble a multi-physics modeling and simulation (M&S) tool(s) including hydrodynamics, electrochemistry, and magnetics to help understand the underlying physics of the MHD environment in order to choose an appropriate electrode material system. These M&S tools will also be able to scale MHD designs from a laboratory demo (i.e.,100 N of thrust) to militarily relevant levels (i.e., 250 kN).
Phase Ib: Validate M&S tools experimentally and demonstrate an electrode material solution for a MHD seawater environment scalable for sustained shipboard applications (i.e., ≥ 5 years).
Phase II: Demonstrate a small-scale prototype unit.

Period of Performance
The PUMP program is a 42-month effort executed over three phases. The program is planned as a 12-month Phase Ia base, a 12-month Phase Ib option, and an 18-month Phase II option.