Numerical simulation for hypersonic vehicle on-board magnetohydrodynamic power generation

As one of the practical application of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) electric power generation, hypersonic vehicle electric power system (HVEPS) program started from 2001. Scramjet driven MHD power generation experiments were conducted and reasonable output electric power was successfully extracted. We carried out 1- and 3-dimensional numerical simulations in order to explain experimental results. To predict inlet conditions precisely, we had to assume adequate combustion efficiency in the scramjet combustor. Hall potential distribution in the main part of generator channel agreed well with 1-d results using adequate non-uniformity G-factor. Although end effects could be explained by the 3-d simulation, effect of non-uniformity must be studied further.