Ground MHD experiments in hypersonic flows

The paper presents an analysis of experimental and numerical studies devoted to MHD interaction in hypersonic gas flows. The most pronounced and representative experiments performed during several decades are considered from the following points of view: (a) whether detected facts result from MHD effects; (b) whether the absence of such facts (features of MHD interaction) testifies to the absence of MHD interaction; (c) what ground-based experiment aids in preparing a flight experiment; (d) what is the role of numerical experiment in magnetic aerodynamics. The problems of unambiguous interpretation of experimental results are discussed. Effects manifested as MHD phenomena are considered. Problems of the sufficiency of modern numerical models for adequate description of MHD interaction in ground and flight conditions are also discussed.