Simulation of three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic enhanced scramjet

Simulation model of the three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) enhanced scramjet viscous inner flow field was established. Geometry of a scramjet applied both MHD controlled inlet and MHD energy bypass was designed at Ma=6. Numerical simulation was performed, and three-dimensional flow field structure, distribution pattern of the electric parameters, and characteristics of energy transformation were analyzed. The results show when flight Ma=8, MHD controlled inlet can be used to draw the compressive shock waves back to the cowl lip, the separation zone disappears, and the flow field of the inner inlet recovers to the design condition. The MHD energy bypass can decrease Ma of the flow before combustor efficiently, so as to improve engine performance. In the MHD generator, distributions of flow and electric parameters are comparatively ideal to make efficient effect, while the MHD accelerator needs large amount of energy input to make a significant acceleration. In the MHD accelerator, Joule heating dissipation is severe near the electrodes, which results in local high temperature, flow field complication and performance deterioration of the MHD accelerator.