• Journal of the Korean Society of Propulsion Engineers
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.50-60
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• 2019

This paper introduces the development of a toolbox for the Space Shuttle Main Engine(SSME) based on MATLAB/Simulink. A mathematical model of rocket engine creation and validation can be a complex process, the development of a rocket engine toolbox simplifies this process, thereby facilitating engine performance optimization as well as new design development. The mathematical modeling of the SSME dealt with in this paper is formed by 32 first-order differential equations derived from seven governing equations. We develop the toolbox for the SSME classifying each module according to the engine components. Further, we confirm the validity of the toolbox by comparing the results of the simulation obtained using the toolbox with those obtained using the original simulation of the engine.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Propulsion Engineers
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.37-53
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• 2016

This paper deals with an optimal output control for Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME), a liquid propellant rocket engine using a staged-combustion cycle. For this purpose, we modeled simplified mathematical model of SSME using each SSME component divided into 7 major categories and found trim points called Rated Propulsion Level (RPL). For design the closed-loop system of SSME, we designed optimal output feedback Linear Quadratic Regulation (LQR) control system using SSME linearized model under RPL 104% and demonstrated the performance of the controller through numerical simulation.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Propulsion Engineers Conference
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• 2017.05a
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• pp.213-217
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• 2017

Since more than 30% of the liquid rocket engine failures occur during the start-up process, and the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) is especially sensitive to small changes in propellant conditions, a 2% error in the valve position or a 0.1sec timing error could lead to significant damage of the engine, simulation modeling of start-up process is important. However, there are many difficulties associated with engine start-up process caused by nonlinear mass flow and heat transfer characteristics associated with filling an unconditioned engine system with cryogenic propellants. In this paper, we modelled a SSME simulation model using partially Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method to solve these problems and checked the performance by comparing with the performance of the simulation model using the lumped method under the state of normal condition.

• International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.535-550
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• 2016

Securing the safety and the reliability of liquid-propellant rocket engines (LREs) for space vehicles is indispensable as engines consist of many complex components and operate under extremely high energy-dense conditions. Thus, health monitoring has become a mandatory requirement, especially for the reusable LREs that are currently being developed. In this context, a dynamic simulation program based on MATLAB/Simulink was developed in the current research on the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME), a partly reusable engine. Then, a series of fault simulations using this program was conducted: at a steady state operating condition (104% Rated Propulsion Level), various simulated fault conditions were artificially injected into the simulation models for the five major valves, the pumps, and the turbines of the SSME. The consequent effects due to each fault were analyzed based on the time responses of the major parameters of the engine. It is believed that this research topic is an essential pre-step for the development of fault detection and diagnosis algorithms for reusable engines in the future.

• Current Industrial and Technological Trends in Aerospace
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.158-164
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• 2011

Check valves developed for aerospace applications and commercially available for the applications are investigated. The examples include the ones for launch vehicles, SSME (Space Shuttle Main Engine) and GSE (Ground Support Equipment) purges developed by NASA, requiring high reliability, and the ones by KARI. Also the commercial ones for room and cryogenic temperatures by major valve US companies. Relations of design factors such as seal materials and spring rate to principal performances like operating temperature/pressure and cracking pressure are explained. Then potential operational problems such as chatter and contaminations are explained. Also, filters, fittings for end connections and cleanliness requirements for the applications are considered.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Propulsion Engineers Conference
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• 1999.10a
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• pp.1-1
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• 1999

2유체 동축인젝터(coaxial twin fluid injector)는 액체산소와 액체수소를 추진제로 사용하는 SSME(Space Shuttle Main Engine)이나 유럽의 Arian 5 Vulcain 엔진과 같은 저온추진제 엔진에 널리 사용되고 있다. 추진제를 미립화 시키는 장치로서 사용하는 다른 여러 형태의 인젝터에 비교할 때 저속의 액체산화제 주위에 고속의 가스연료가 분사됨으로서 발생되는 전단력에 의해 추진제가 미립화되는 특징을 가지며, 이러한 메카니즘은 매우 복잡하여 아직까지 정확히 규명되지 못하고 있는 실정이다.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers B
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• v.30 no.7 s.250
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• pp.671-681
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• 2006

This study focuses on the development of numerical procedure to analyze the nonlinear combustion instabilities in liquid rocket engine. Nonlinear behaviors of acoustic instabilities are characterized by the existence of limit cycle in linearly unstable engines and nonlinear or triggering instability in linearly stable engines. To discretize convective fluxes with high accuracy and robustness, approximated Riemann solver based on characteristics and Euler-characteristic boundary conditions are employed. The present procedure predicts well the transition processes from initial harmonic pressure disturbance to N-like steep-fronted shock wave in a resonant pipe. Longitudinal pressure oscillations within the SSME(Space Shuttle Main Engine) engine have been analyzed using the pressure-sensitive time lag model to account for unsteady combustion response. It is observed that the pressure oscillations reach a limit cycle which is independent of the characteristics of the initial disturbances and depends only on combustion parameters and operating conditions.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.69-78
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• 1995

Nonlinear analysis methods are developed which will enable the reliable prediction of the dynamic behavior of the space shuttle main engine(SSME) turbopumps in the presence of bearing clearances and other local nonlinearities. A computationally efficient convolution method, based on discretized Duhamel and transition matrix integral formulations, is developed for the transient analysis. In the formulation, the coupling forces due to the onlinearities are treated as external forces acting on the coupled subsystems. Iteration is utilized to determine their magnitudes at each time increament. The method is applied to a nonlinear generic model of the high pressure oxygen turthods, the convolution approach proved to be more accurate and highly more efficient. For determining the nonlinear, steady-state periodic responses, an incremental harmonic balance(IHB) method was also developed. The method was successfully used to determine dominantly harmonic and subharmonic(subsynchronous) responses of the HPOTP generic model with bearing clearances. A reduction method similar to the impedance formulation utilized with linear systems is used to reduce the housing-totor models to their coordinates at the bearing clearances.

• KSTLE International Journal
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2003

A turbo pump unit provides high pressure oxygen and fuel in a space shuttle main engine (SSME). This paper focused on rotordynamics, investigating its characteristics based on a numerical simulation of turbo pump finite element model. Speeds up to 50,000 rpm are considered, as well as the special problems related to elastic-ring, seal hydrodynamic force, shroud force and clearance-excitation farce. The rotordynamic prediction shows that the elastic-ring which is inserted between the casing and the outer race of ball bearing allows far an acceptable separate margin of first critical speed. Additionally, the results show that the floating ring seal, which have a peculiar ring, adds substantial stiffness and damping to the system as well as exhibits superior performance in terms of rotordynamic stability of system compared to the plain seal.