Advancements in Analysis of Hydrostatic Bearings for Cryogenic Turbo Pumps

MAJOR APPLICATION: process fluid film bearings, all-fluid film bearing turbopump technology

Sponsor: Northrop Grumman (USAF USET Program) (2004-2006)

Past sponsors: Rocketdyne, Pratt & Whitney, NASA Glenn RC, NASA MSFC

Objective: To enhance current computational models (developed early at TAMU) to predict

a) transient response of hydrostatic bearings

b) start up and shut down response of hydrostatic bearings for turbo pump applications

Status: Known technical issues: pneumatic hammer and dry-friction whirl and whip at cryogenic turbopump start up. Project will deliver computational models for advancing technology to deliver a turbopump free of technical hurdles noted.

Proprietary research

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