STATUS OF RESEARCH ON MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC AUGMENTATION OF A SHOCK TUNNEL
Abstract
Two concepts for the augmentation of shock tunnel performance are analyzed. In the first of these, termed the buffer accelerator, a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) accelerator is used to accelerate a buffer gas, which in turn drives a shock into the test gas. In the second approach, termed the nozzle accelerator, an MHD accelerator is used to accelerate the test gas directly. The latter approach is shown to be capable of providing higher velocities and longer test times, but the aerodynamic quality of the resulting test gas suffers because of the necessity of adding seed material to develop the conductivity required for accelerator operation. Descriptions are given of the major pieces of equipment that have been built for an experimental program to investigate the two augmentation concepts. These are (1) a 10 to the 6th power- joule capacitor bank for the electric field, (2) a 10 weber per sq. m. coil for the magnetic field, and (3) a buffer accelerator.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0482453
Entities
People
- R. R. Walker Iii
- Wendell Norman
Organizations
- Arnold Engineering Development Complex