The RVMHD-A Re-entry Air Driven MHD Power Supply

In SBIR Topic SB032-031, DARPA has identified its interest in power generation on a re-entry vehicle using the air encountered by the vehicle as the working fluid for the generator. In response, this Proposal, based on an extensive 1964-1968 USAF program to develop a high power Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) re-entry vehicle using a 450 kilowatt MHD generator driven by the re-entry heated air is submitted. Busek staff served as Principal Investigator for most of this USAF program. Detailed Technical Reports from this program were declassified in late 2002. The proposed Phase I is a logical continuation of the USAF program which achieved significant progress toward the goal of using MHD to generate high levels of power on a re-entry vehicle. In Phase I, analytical techniques will be updated and three different re-entry scenarios employing MHD will be studied. US test facilities capable of supporting a Phase II RV MHD prototype test program will be identified and characterized. The Proof of Concept (POC) RV MHD demonstrator will be designed, and the Phase II Test Plan and POC Performance estimates will be prepared. Phase II should lead directly to a RV MHD prototype. MIT Fusion Center will be our subcontractor for the development of the appropriate magnet.