Development of an Open-Source MHD Capability and the Efficacy of a Magnetic Dipole Control System for Atmospheric Entry

This study assesses the effectiveness of using a translating and rotating magnetic dipole for increased performance and rotational control of a reentry vehicle by implementing magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) physics into Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software. Lorenz force and joule heating source terms were added to both SU2 and Kestrel using conductivity calculated by a modified Gupta-Yos model. Both CFD programs used a two-temperature rigid rotator and harmonic oscillator thermochemistry model with 11-species reacting air in laminar flow with a non-conductive and non-catalytic body. Baseline solution grid independence was verified using stagnation line temperatures, electron densities were compared with the NASA RAM-C II experiment to verify the chemistry, and shock standoff distance ratios were verified with experimental, theoretical, and numerical data. The study shows that a rotated or off-center dipole can increase drag and lift while also providing control moments and demonstrates the possibility of its use for flow control. Additional studies will look at how vehicle design and dipole location can improve the efficacy of a MHD control system.