Operation of a Cryogenic Rocket Engine (eBook)

Preface 6
Acknowledgement 7
Contents 8
List of Abbreviations 12
1 Introduction 14
2 Operational Aspects of the Rocket Engine and the Test Facility 16
2.1 Propulsion Systems 16
2.2 Test Facilities 17
3 Test Periods 22
3.1 Organisation and Clients of Test Programs 22
3.1.1 Development Tests 23
3.1.2 Acceptance Tests 24
3.1.3 Technology Support 25
3.2 Test Campaign on the Test Bench 25
3.2.1 Handling of the Specimen 26
3.2.2 Work Instructions and Computer Programs 27
3.2.3 Test Execution 27
3.2.4 Test Analysis 28
3.2.5 Operation of the Test Bench 28
3.2.6 Measurement, Control and Command System 28
3.3 Pre- and Post-Test Inspections 29
3.3.1 Functional Test 29
3.3.2 Leak Measurement 30
3.3.3 Visual Inspection 31
3.3.4 Determination of Dimensions 32
3.3.5 Pollution Control 32
4 Engine Test 38
4.1 Test Configuration 38
4.2 Test Readiness 40
4.3 Hot Run Preparation 40
4.3.1 Chill Down of Cryogenic Rocket Engines 40
4.4 Hot Run 41
4.4.1 Start Up Transient 42
4.4.2 Control and Regulation 43
4.4.3 Monitoring of Engine Parameters 44
4.4.4 Shut-Down Transient 45
4.5 Engine Performance Map 47
4.6 Test of Expander Cycle Engines 50
5 Bench Systems 52
5.1 Principles for the Erection of a Test Facility 52
5.2 Back Up Systems 53
5.3 Fuel and Oxidiser Supply 54
5.3.1 Vacuum Insulation 55
5.3.2 Feed System 56
5.4 Measurement, Control and Command (MCC) Systems 59
5.4.1 Historical Review 60
5.4.2 Control Programs 62
5.4.3 Engine Control 66
5.4.4 Data Acquisition 66
5.4.5 Measurement Validation 67
5.5 Detection Systems 68
5.6 Test Cell Systems 69
5.7 Exhaust System 70
5.8 Altitude Simulation 73
6 Simulation of Flight Conditions 75
6.1 Pump Inlet Pressure Profile 75
6.2 Pogo Oscillation 78
6.3 Acoustic Load 79
6.4 Nozzle Load 81
7 Weather Conditions 85
7.1 Ambient Temperature 85
7.2 Rain and Humidity 86
7.3 Thunder and Lightning 87
7.4 Sight and Fog 87
7.5 Wind 88
7.6 Atmospheric Sound Propagation 88
8 Test Procedures 89
8.1 Test Readiness Procedure 89
8.2 Non-conformance Procedure 90
8.3 Risk Management During Operation 91
8.4 Configuration Management 92
9 Safety 95
10 Documentation 99
10.1 Facility Documents 100
10.2 Test Documents 100
10.2.1 Test Request 100
10.2.2 Instruction Manual 101
10.2.3 Chronology 101
10.2.4 Inspection Results 101
10.2.5 Test Report 101
10.2.6 Plan of Activities on the Engine 102
10.2.7 Checklists and Work Procedures 102
11 Test Team 103
Appendix A Chamber Valve Characteristic 106
Appendix B Chamber Igniter Characteristic 107
Appendix C Measurement and Correction of the Ovality of a Vulcain Nozzle 108
Appendix D Compare of Flow Schemes Vulcain/Vulcain 2 109
Appendix E Flow Scheme of the Ariane 5 Main Stage 110
Appendix F Flow Scheme of Vulcain 2 111
Appendix G Flow Scheme of Vinci 112
Appendix H Mixtures of Oxygen and Nitrogen Close to Their Boiling Points 113
Diffusion of Liquid N2 in Liquid O2 114
Appendix I Jet Pump 116
Appendix J Fluids of the Test Process 121
Appendix K Pressure Transducer 125
Appendix L Measurement Chain 127
Appendix M Valve Control Circuit 128
Appendix N Oxygen Detector 131
Design 131
Measurement Principle 132
References 133
Index 134
About the Author 140