APPLICATIONS OF MHD TO RE-ENTRY VEHICLE CONTROL
Abstract
The application of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) devices to re-entry vehicle control requires estimation of the values of certain critical parameters along typical re-entry trajectories. A map giving the values of th interaction parameter, magnetic Reynolds number, Hall coefficient, ion slip parameter and ratio of magnetic to aerodynamic pressure is presented and evaluated. These parameters allow one to assess the types of interaction possible between magnetic fields and the flow. Flow calculations are presented of the interaction between the magnetic field due to either wires or coils below the surface and an ionized gas flow. Initially channel flow calculation were made to simulate the flow between a surface and a shock wave, and later more realistic geometries were considered. The force on the wire or coil and the resulting change in pressure and surface heating on the wall are calculated. The possibility of finding practical applications such as the magnetic flap, for these interactions between magnetic fields and ionized gas flow depends strongly on the weights necessary to produce the magnetic fields required by the calculations. The development of superconducting coils makes the production of strong magnetic fields for relatively small weights possible. Estimates are given for the weights of superconducting coils required to produce t e needed field strength. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0277273
Entities
People
- James E. Hayes
- Richard H. Levy