Primary Intelligence Asset

20110002743

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Executive Summary

This document explores how using magnetic fields to manipulate airflow in a jet engine can significantly boost its power and allow it to reach much higher speeds. The research suggests that this 'magnetohydrodynamic' technology could enable traditional jet engines to fly at hypersonic speeds up to seven times the speed of sound.
Analysis Confidence: High
ST_CODE: D738C2

System Metadata

Source ID

DOC-NASA_MHD

Process Date

2/3/2026

Integrity Hash

SHA256-ptmibavey1g...

Indexer Status

COMPLETE

Initializing_Secure_Viewer...
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INVESTIGATIVE ANALYSIS

Layman's Executive Summary

This document explores how using magnetic fields to manipulate airflow in a jet engine can significantly boost its power and allow it to reach much higher speeds. The research suggests that this 'magnetohydrodynamic' technology could enable traditional jet engines to fly at hypersonic speeds up to seven times the speed of sound.

Document Origin

The document was authored by Theresa L. Benyo of the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, and was prepared for the 48th Aerospace Sciences Meeting of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).

Research Purpose

The study was conducted to perform a thermodynamic cycle analysis on a supersonic turbojet engine equipped with a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) energy bypass system to determine if it could increase specific thrust and extend the engine's operational speed into the hypersonic regime.

Relevancy Analysis

" This document is highly relevant as it bridges the gap between conventional turbine propulsion and advanced electromagnetic energy management, a core component in the study of 'black program' hypersonic platforms. The mention of Dr. Isaiah Blankson connects this research to a prominent figure in high-speed flight and unconventional propulsion, aligning with investigations into Field Reversed Configurations (FRC) and advanced energy-bypass architectures used in trans-atmospheric vehicles. "

Extracted Verifiable Claims

  • NASA Technical Memorandum (TM) number 2010-216734 was published in December 2010.
  • The analysis shows that applying a magnetic field of 1 to 5 Tesla can increase engine thrust by up to 420 N/(kg/s).
  • The research suggests that MHD energy bypass can extend the operating range of a supersonic turbojet to Mach 7.0.
  • The work was sponsored by the Fundamental Aeronautics Program at the NASA Glenn Research Center.
  • Dr. Isaiah Blankson and Dr. Steve Schneider are cited as technical guides and mentors for the research.

Technical Contribution

This document provides specific performance metrics showing that a 1 to 5 Tesla magnetic field can increase turbojet specific thrust by up to 420 N/(kg/s) and extend the operational ceiling to Mach 7.0.

FORENSIC_TRANSCRIPT_LOG

Transcript

Page 1 of 4

INTRODUCTION

Theresa L. Benyo Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio The Effect of Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Energy Bypass on Specifi c Thrust for a Supersonic Turbojet Engine NASA/TM—2010-216734 December 2010 AIAA–2010–232 NASA STI Program . . . in Profi le Since its founding, NASA has been dedicated to the advancement of aeronautics and space science. The NASA Scientifi c and Technical Information (STI) program plays a key part in helping NASA maintain this important role. The NASA STI Program operates under the auspices of the Agency Chief Information Offi cer. It collects, organizes, provides for archiving, and disseminates NASA’s STI. The NASA STI program provides access to the NASA Aeronautics and Space Database and its public interface, the NASA Technical Reports Server, thus providing one of the largest collections of aeronautical and space science STI in the world. Results are published in both non-NASA channels and by NASA in the NASA STI Report Series, which includes the following report types: • TECHNICAL PUBLICATION. Reports of completed research or a major signifi cant phase of research that present the results of NASA programs and include extensive data or theoretical analysis. Includes compilations of signifi cant scientifi c and technical data and information deemed to be of continuing reference value. NASA counterpart of peer-reviewed formal professional papers but has less stringent limitations on manuscript length and extent of graphic presentations. • TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM. Scientifi c and technical fi ndings that are preliminary or of specialized interest, e.g., quick release reports, working papers, and bibliographies that contain minimal annotation. Does not contain extensive analysis. • CONTRACTOR REPORT. Scientifi c and technical fi ndings by NASA-sponsored contractors and grantees. • CONFERENCE PUBLICATION. Collected papers from scientifi c and technical conferences, symposia, seminars, or other meetings sponsored or cosponsored by NASA. • SPECIAL PUBLICATION. Scientifi c, technical, or historical information from NASA programs, projects, and missions, often concerned with subjects having substantial public interest. • TECHNICAL TRANSLATION. English- language translations of foreign scientifi c and technical material pertinent to NASA’s mission. Specialized services also include creating custom thesauri, building customized databases, organizing and publishing research results. For more information about the NASA STI program, see the following: • Access the NASA STI program home page at http://www.sti.nasa.gov • E-mail your question via the Internet to help@ sti.nasa.gov • Fax your question to the NASA STI Help Desk at 443–757–5803 • Telephone the NASA STI Help Desk at 443–757–5802 • Write to: NASA Center for Aero Space Information (CASI) 7115 Standard Drive Hanover, MD 21076–1320 Theresa L. Benyo Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio The Effect of Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Energy Bypass on Specifi c Thrust for a Supersonic Turbojet Engine NASA/TM—2010-216734 December 2010 AIAA–2010–232 National Aeronautics and Space Administration Glenn Research Center Cleveland, Ohio 44135 Prepared for the 48th Aerospace Sciences Meeting sponsored by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Orlando, Florida, January 4–7, 2010 Acknowledgments Theresa L. Benyo thanks Dr. Isaiah Blankson and Dr. Steve Schneider of NASA Glenn Research Center for their guidance and encouragement throughout this research. Available from NASA Center for Aerospace Information 7115 Standard Drive Hanover, MD 21076–1320 National Technical Information Service 5301 Shawnee Road Alexandria, VA 22312 Available electronically at http://gltrs.grc.nasa.gov This work was sponsored by the Fundamental Aeronautics Program at the NASA Glenn Research Center. Level of Review: This material has been technically reviewed by technical management. This report contains preliminary fi ndings, subject to revision as analysis proceeds. NASA/TM—2010-216734 1 The Effect of Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Energy Bypass on Specific Thrust for a Supersonic Turbojet Engine Theresa L. Benyo National Aeronautics and Space Administration Glenn Research Center Cleveland, Ohio 44135