Magnetohydrodynamic control of a supersonic flow about a body

The structure and principle of operation of an electromagnetic facility capable of controlling a supersonic flow about a body of revolution are described, by means of which gas-discharge plasma formed between electrodes flush-mounted on the body is driven over its surface by a magnetic field. It is shown that the frequency of rotation of the gas-discharge plasma strongly depends on the direction of electric current flowing through the facility, as well as on the pressure of ambient gas. Experimental results demonstrating the effective magnetohydrodynamic control over the structure of supersonic nitrogen flow about the body of revolution at a Mach number of 4 are presented.