Edge-Based Finite Element Modeling of Magnetogasdynamic-Based Propulsion Systems

Abstract

The paper presents an edge-based finite element method formulation for the coupled magnetohydrodynamic equations used for the simulation of magnetogasdynamic propulsion systems. The flow is modeled by the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations along with the electromagnetic Lorentz force and joule heating resulting from the magnetic/electric interactions represented by source terms, whereas the electromagnetic phenomena are modeled through the magnetic induction equation. Turbulence is treated through the one-equation Spalart–Allmaras model. Both the flow and the electromagnetic problems are transformed into their pseudo-unsteady forms, and a segregated solution strategy is employed for the coupled system. The algebraic systems are solved by applying the generalized minimum residual with an incomplete lower upper factorization as a right preconditioner. After using the Hartmann flow as a validation test, results have been obtained for an magnetohydrodynamic converging channel accelerator, a two-dimensional inviscid flow in a scramjet, and a three-dimensional viscous flow in the same scramjet. The numerical results are compared against published numerical ones and show good agreement.