Thermal measurements at the body surface in a supersonic nitrogen flow

Measurements of the heat flux toward the surface of a body of revolution in a supersonic nitrogen flow with Mach number 4 were carried out. Inside the body, an electromagnetic facility is mounted which generates a gas-discharge plasma between electrodes flush-mounted at the body surface. The plasma rotates around the body surface and significantly influences the supersonic flow. During operation of the electromagnetic facility, the heat flux toward the body surface increases and depends on the direction of the electric current flowing through the plasma. The heat flux was measured by fast-response gradient heat flux sensors based on anisotropic bismuth crystals.