On Reducing Aerodynamic Heat-Transfer Rates by Magnetohydrodynamic Techniques

Abstract

The possibility of reducing stagnation point heat-transfer rates on blunt bodies at hypersonic speeds by means of a magnetic field is considered. The modification of the flow within and external to the viscous boundary layer is analyzed. It is concluded that the primary mechanism which serves to reduce the heat transfer is an alteration of the inviscid flow external to the boundary layer. The existence of a magnetic-fluid boundary layer is indicated for fluids of high electrical conductivit}^ This magnetic boundary layer is seen to parallel viscous boundary-layer theory closely. On the basis of a cursory examination it does not seem practicable to reduce significantly the aerodynamic heating load on flat plates by magnetic techniques unless the electrical conductivity of air is artificially enhanced.