Drag Enhancement for Atmospheric Entry Capsule using Electrodynamic Effect with Multi-magnetic Source

Abstract

In the electrodynamic flow control, weakly-ionized plasma flow behind the strong shock wave could be controlled by the applied magnetic field around a reentry vehicle. To control the flow field, a very strong magnetic field is required and it could be applied by the superconducting magnet, which is too large and heavy for a reentry capsule. Thus, in the present study, to avoid the use of the superconducting magnet, the electrodynamic effect from the combination of multiple weaker magnetic source such as permanent magnets is numerically investigated. According to the MHD simulation, the influence on the drag force caused by the multiple magnetic source, which is placed equiangularly around the body axis, could be diminished by the Hall effect. When the Hall effect is significant, the induced electric current intensity is very small because the electric field is generated much weaker than the one of the single magnet case. Therefore, the present magnetic configuration using multiple magnetic source might not be effective under the high Hall parameter condition such as the reentry flight.