NASA Liquid Rocket Engine Centrifugal Flow Turbopumps (Space Vehicle Design Criteria (Chemical Propulsion))

A comprehensive document covering the experience and knowledge accumulated in rocket development and operational missiles and space programs. Covers design practices that give increased reliability and greater efficiency. Centrifugal pumps have long been used successfully in chemical as well as nuclear rocket engines. They have simplicity, reliability, light weight, wide operating ranges, minimal development time, and relatively low cost. Usually, other types of pumps become competitive with the centrifugal design only when multistaging is necessary or maximum efficiency of operation is the paramount consideration. Written by rocket scientists and engineers to teach other scientists and engineers, this is one of the best textbooks available on this subject. The material also has applications for automotive racing engineers, aircraft mechanics, racing boat developers, and others who employ turbopump technologies. The document examines the various common pump problems: impeller rubbing that results in oxidizer-pump explosions; bearing failures caused by high axial and radial thrust; excessive cavitation damage; inadequate suction performance; undesirable oscillations in suction and discharge pressure; impeller blade failures; housing ruptures; stress-corrosion cracking; loss of design fits caused by centrifugal or thermal loads; static-seal leakage; and inadequate retention of the components. Much of the content was classified "SECRET" until the time of this book. It includes information derived from the Titan, Atlas, Thor, Saturn, Redstone, Nerva, and other related projects. Includes considerable in-depth mathematical formulae and equations explaining the design process. With more than 60 illustrations, technical drawings, and graphs to support the text. An excellent reference resource for the experimental and amateur rocket scientist. Includes an 8-page glossary and an extensive technical references appendix.