Why is a disk generator useful with nonequilibrium ionization?

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magnetohydrodynamic power generator Comparison of the operating principles of (A) a turbogenerator and (B) an MHD generator.

The disk generator is particularly useful when employing nonequilibrium ionization because of its unique geometry and current flow characteristics.

In this configuration, the load current flows radially, while the short-circuited Faraday currents are contained within closed circular paths. This design effectively manages the Hall effect, allowing the Hall output to be extracted between the center and the periphery of the disk. By utilizing this radial symmetry, the disk generator provides an attractive alternative to linear configurations, especially in systems where nonequilibrium ionization is utilized to enhance the electrical conductivity of the plasma.1