On the thermodynamic acceleration of two-phase laminar flows in channels with penetrable walls

An electro- conductive liquid (liquid metal) is discussed which acquires kinetic energy because of the work of expansion of a gas. In power plants which utilize this principle, friction within the liquid metal pistons substantially reduces plant efficiency, and causes breakdowns. Piston velocities were calculated, and a method is presented to eliminate friction by the use of accelerating channels of gas permeable walls which can be made from porous materials. Results indicate that by blowing in gas through the porous channel walls, friction is sharply reduced (by the gas pushing against the liquid metal), and efficiency is improved by at least 90 percent.