MHD interaction in a weakly ionization mach 15 argon flow

This paper describes the results of an experimental investigation on the effect of the MHD interaction in the plasma of the shock layer above a test body immersed into a hypersonic Argon flow. The hypersonic flow was obtained by means of the high-enthalpy arc-heated wind tunnel of Alta SpA at Mach 15. An extensive activity was carried out in order to quantitatively characterize the weakly ionized free stream, for pressures in the range between 0.5 and 1.5 bar. Two different models, with embedded high strength magnets are going to be used: a sharp cone (used in the presented work) and a truncated-cone blunt body. The models are equipped with surface pressure and temperature measurement devices and electrostatic probes. Two geometrically identical, non magnetic models were used to compare results with and without MHD interaction. This paper will describe the experimental setup, the characterization activity, and the test campaign results. A short critical analysis on the obtained results will be also present including comparison with the past experiments conducted in Alta by the same team.