Experimental investigation of magnetohydrodynamic action on a heat flux toward the surface of a model

Experimental data for magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) action on a supersonic nitrogen flow about an axisymmetric model are presented. The experiments were carried out in the Big Shock Tube (Ioffe Physical-Technical Institute), at the end of which a test section equipped with a supersonic nozzle was mounted. A test conic model coupled with a cylinder is attached to the output cross section of the nozzle. A magnetic field is produced by a solenoid placed on the cylindrical part of the model through which a pulsed current due to an external voltage source discharging passes. Electrodes on the conic part of the model initiate a gas discharge, which rotates about the axis of the model in the solenoidal magnetic field. The influence of the magnetic field on the gasdynamic pattern of the flow near the model and on the heat flux toward its surface is investigated. Schlieren patterns of the flow about the model, photographic scans of the discharge glow, and heat flux measurements are taken. It is found that the magnetic field has an effect on the gasdynamic pattern of the flow near the model and on the heat flux toward its surface. The dependence of MHD effects on the external voltage polarity is also revealed.