Abstract: An electrical interconnect incorporating the invention includes a first conductive electrode having a male connector part; a second electrode having a female connector part closely coupled to the male connector part so as to create opposed surface regions of area A for electrical conduction therebetween; and a fusible alloy layer of maximum thickness t, positioned within the area A and between the male electrical part and the female electrical part, the fusible alloy having a resistivity that is greater than a resistivity of either the first electrode or the second electrode. A ratio of t to A assures that the resistance of the fusible alloy layer is smaller than the resistance of either the first electrode or the second electrode.

Abstract: An MHD apparatus includes a solenoid coil that is symmetrically positioned about a central axis aperture. Upon energization, the coil produces an intense magnetic field along the central axis and within the aperture. A first cylinder having a first diameter is positioned in the aperture and a second cylinder which exhibits a second diameter that is less than the first diameter is positioned within the first cylinder. A helical web insulator is positioned between the first cylinder and the second cylinder and provides a helical fluid flow channel between first and second ends of the cylinders. A DC power supply is connected between the first and second cylinders, which produces a current flow that interacts with the magnetic field to exert an MHD propulsive force on seawater within the fluid flow channel. In this mode of operation, the apparatus pumps the saltwater or provides a thrust.