MHD pulsed power for geophysics and the SDI

This past September, a series of preliminary geophysical experiments took place near Los Angeles, California using a portable MHD (magnetohydrodynarnic) generator. This sys­ tem delivers a short pulse of electromagnetic energy which can potentially be used to map the geological structures of the Earth, find bodies of ore, and help in predicting earth­ quakes. MHD technology applied to electromagnetic soundings of the Earth has just had its first trial run in the United States. The same MHD application, however, has been in use since 1973 in the Soviet Union. Academician E.P. Velikhov-the head of the Soviet magnetic fusion program, military and civilian laser development efforts, the MHD program, and work in computers-pioneered in the development of this advanced energy conversion technology, and has overseen geophysical experiments in the Soviet Union for more than a decade. From the beginning of the Soviet program, however, it was clear to astute observers that this high-powered source of energy could be scaled up and used for more than scientific investigation. As the spokesman for the Soviets' supposedly nonexistent strategic defense effort-what is called the Stra­ tegic Defense Initiative (SDI) in the United States-one would assume that Velikhov has also been in charge of developing this technology for powering lasers, particle beams, and oth­ er SDI-related systems which will require very short bursts of very powerful energy. According to the 1986 version of the annual boo k, Soviet Military Power, published by the U.S. Department of De­ fense, the Soviets "have developed a rocket-driven magne­ tohydrodyJiarnic generator which produces over 15 mega-