Scramjet Driven MHD Power Demonstration - HVEPS Program

Abstract

Under the US Air Force sponsored Hypersonic Vehicle Electric Power System (HVEPS) program the authors' organizations are collaborating on research and development of scramjet driven magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) power for an advanced high power, airborne power system. This program has been underway for the past five years with various technical tasks being addressed that have encompassed engineering investigations of a myriad of technical issues related to airborne hypersonic power system integration and operation. Under the current efforts of the program an initiative is underway to conduct an integrated scramjet-driven MHD power demonstration ground test. The demonstration test is to be conducted in the existing United Technologies Research Corporation (UTRC) scramjet test cell wherein modifications to the test cell are being made to allow installation of an in-line, direct fired MHD generator test article downstream of the test facility's scramjet combustor. This research is currently in the test preparation phase with the design and fabrication of test components including a DCW MHD generator test article and its support systems being completed and ready for installation. The MHD generator channel will be installed within the bore of a 3.0 Tesla split-coil, superconducting magnet that is being made available to support this demonstration test by NASA. The demonstration test is scheduled for conduct in the summer of 2006. This paper provides details on the HVEPS program results that have been arrived at to-date, in relation to the technical assessment of direct scramjet driven MHD power generation for specific application to a hypersonic vehicle platform. A description of the scramjet/MHD ground demonstration test is provided, in terms of the test bed design, the major test components, and its operation and general performance estimates.