Abstract
An experimental study of the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effects of partially dissociated and ionized flow over a wedge with a 2 Tesla electromagnet is presently being undertaken in the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 24-inch Hypersonic Shock Tunnel. The wedge provides a 0to 20-degree flow turning angle into the 2-inch by 3-inch MHD channel. The selected flow freestream conditions are approximately Mach 7.6, 4100 K (7380 R) stagnation temperature, and 780-psia stagnation pressure. In the initial part of the study, the power generation characteristics of a similar wedge in the same flow were investigated to determine the conductivity of the flow through the MHD channel. The generator results have been verified. The next phase of study involves the establishment of an electric discharge between the electrodes of the new model to enhance conductivity and accelerate the plasma. Initial calculations have revealed that at least 30 kW of energy must be added to the flow to see a 1 psia increase in impact pressure behind the MHD channel. The initial testing of the model's major components (electromagnet and exploding wire) are the subject of this paper.
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