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Determine what the characteristics are of a magnetic field needed to spin an arc at the leading edge of a body in supersonic flow. Generating an electric discharge at the leading edge of an aerodynamic body in supersonic flow is a potential method of mitigating sonic boom. However controlling the electric arc is very challenging. One method to consider is the use of magnetic fields. However the characteristics of the magnetic field necessary to simply spin an electric arc at the leading edge of a cone cylinder body about the axis of symmetry of the body is not well defined. This project aims to analytically determine the characteristics of a magnetic field which would be needed to rotate the arc and test the results at the blow down facility here at Armstrong.
Will add to the body of knowledge associated with active flow control; Will help advance other projects towards flight test at NASA AFRC; Will add to NASA AFRC’s experience with testing high voltage discharge experiments
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