Numerical and experimental simulation of magnetic-hydrodynamic interaction in a hypersonic flow of a blunt solid

This paper describes results of an experimental and numerical study of a magnetic-hydrodynamic (MHD) method for controlling a hypersonic ($\mathrm{M}=6$) airflow in which a launched device of typical configuration is located. The experiments are carried out using an MHD testbed based on a shock tube. The flow in front of the solid is ionized using an electric discharge in an external magnetic field with an induction $B=0{,}80\div1{,}58$ T. Conditions corresponding to the experimental conditions are numerically simulated using the Reynolds-average steady Navier–Stokes equations. The MHD interaction region is simulated by isolating a zone in front of the blunt part of the model with given force and heat sources. It is shown that, as a result of strong MHD interaction, the head jump moves away from the model surface and the heat flux to the body decreases with a value of the Stuart number $\mathrm{S}= 0{,}1\div0{,}3$.