Size-Weight-and-Power Analysis of Magnetic Systems for Aerospace Magnetohydrodynamic Power Generation

High field magnetics can serve many uses in high velocity aerospace vehicles, ranging from magnetic energy storage, magnetohydrodynamic power generation, magnetohydrodynamic propulsion, and plasma redirection systems for thermal management and to prevent communication blackout. In this paper, hard magnetics, resistive electromagnetics, and superconducting electromagnetics will be introduced. An initial set of Size-Weight-and-Power (SWaP) analysis for magnetics in an example combustion plasma magnetohydrodynamic power generator system will be performed. Proposed lightweight solutions for critical factors such as high field Lorentz force mechanical stress management, cryogenic and non-cryogenic thermal management, and material degradation will be presented.