MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS AND AERODYNAMIC HEATING

The basic equations and some fundamental concepts of magnetoaerodynamics are discussed. As an application, the problem of the flow near the stagnation point of a body of revolution is reviewed and an exact solution is given. Data are presented for the heat transfer coefficient at the stagnation point, and for its gradient in the stagnation point region. The magnetic field strength required to accomplish an appreciable reduction of aerodynamic heating in hypersonic flight is discussed, for the case in which ionization is due to thermal motion. Alternatively, methods which involve electrical breakdown of the air are considered.