Abstract
Behind every engineering advancement is a series of decisions about what to prioritize and what to sacrifice. My capstone project, Project Loch Ness, focused on the design, fabrication, and experimental testing of a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) propulsion drive for use in marine environments. This project was undertaken to explore alternative propulsion methods for stealth submersible vehicles that eliminate moving parts and improve efficiency. My STS research paper examines the development of military technologies, specifically MHD propulsion, through the lens of environmental risk and sociotechnical decision-making. This research was conducted to better understand how engineering decisions are shaped not only by technical goals but also by institutional pressures and environmental considerations. Together, these projects highlight how engineering decisions require balancing competing priorities and trade-offs between performance and environmental responsibility.
The primary goal of Project Loch Ness was to develop a functional MHD propulsion system that is capable of generating measurable thrust. Unlike modern Naval submarines, this propulsion technology does not use propellers, an element in current submarines that can reduce stealth in marine applications due to cavitation. The project contributed to developing the technology by designing and testing multiple iterations of an MHD drive, focusing on improving magnetic field strength, increasing channel volume, and optimizing electrode configuration. Methods included CAD design, additive manufacturing, and controlled laboratory fume hood testing in a saltwater environment. This testing allowed for measurement of thrust, power usage, and efficiency across current inputs, enabling data-driven design improvements.
The final results of the capstone project demonstrated that iterative design improved system performance. Later design iterations, particularly the V3 configuration, produced higher thrust and improved power efficiency compared to earlier versions. These improvements were primarily driven by increased magnetic field uniformity and optimized geometry of the MHD drive channel. Experimental testing confirmed that thrust increased with current and that design changes such as reducing electrode spacing and increasing plate area reduced power requirements. While the system remains a small-scale prototype, the project validated the mathematical model of MHD propulsion and highlighted areas for future improvement.
The STS research paper investigates the question: how are military technologies like MHD propulsion co-shaped by technical goals, institutional pressures, and environmental values? This question is significant because emerging defense technologies often introduce environmental risks that are not fully understood or regulated. The study uses a qualitative methodology that includes literature review, policy analysis, and application of STS frameworks such as Social Construction of Technology (SCOT), actor-network theory (ANT), and value-laden design. These frameworks allow for analysis of how different actors like engineers, military institutions, and environmental scientists interpret and prioritize risks differently.
The findings of the STS research show that environmental risk in military technologies is not defined purely by scientific evidence but is shaped by institutional priorities and societal values. Evidence from environmental studies highlights risks such as electromagnetic field exposure and chemical byproducts from electrolysis, yet these risks are often managed through mitigation rather than fundamentally altering design goals. The results demonstrate that military priorities, particularly the need for technological superiority, often outweigh environmental concerns in decision-making. Ultimately, the research concludes that MHD propulsion and similar technologies are sociotechnical systems, where engineering design is influenced by both technical performance and broader institutional and environmental considerations.
Notes
School of Engineering and Applied Science
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering
Technical Advisor: Daniel Quinn, Christopher Goyne
STS Advisor: Pedro A. P. Francisco
Technical Team Members: Eric Avellone, Cameron Dearman, Jack Finning, Will Hixson, Tyler Kaczmarek, William McGee, Samantha Ritchie, Amitav Suchdev, Albert Tang
