A Magnetohydrodynamic Power Panel for Space Reentry Vehicles

Abstract

During reentry from space, a layer of high temperature air (>3000K) is formed extending tens of centimeters from the surface of the vehicle, well out into the high speed flow regime. Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) can then be used to generate power by projecting magnetic fields outside the vehicle into the conducting air stream and collecting the resulting current. Here, we analyze a multifunctional MHD panel which generates the requisite magnetic fields, protects the vehicle from high temperatures, and is structurally stiff and strong. The analysis shows that a magnetic system weighing approximately 110kg can generate 0.6MW of power for 1000s.