How does the direction of gas flow affect the electric field in an MHD generator?

In a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator, the direction of gas flow is fundamental to the creation of an electric field. According to Faraday’s law of induction, when an electrically conducting gas (plasma) moves through a magnetic field, an electromotive force is generated.1

This induced electric field acts in a direction that is perpendicular to both the direction of the gas flow and the direction of the magnetic field. Because the magnetic force on moving charges is determined by the vector cross product of velocity and the magnetic field, changing the orientation of the gas flow relative to the magnetic field directly influences the direction and magnitude of the resulting electric field and current.23

Additionally, the Hall effect can occur when electric load current flows across the channel, causing electrons to experience a force directed along the channel. This establishes an additional electric field, known as the Hall field, which acts along the axis of the gas flow.2