Barber-Nichols, LLC — National Aeronautics and Space Administration SBIR Phase I: H2.01
Barber-Nichols, LLC — SBIR Phase I award from National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
- Amount
- $124,882
- Agency
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Program / Phase
- SBIR · Phase I
- Topic
- H2.01
- NAICS
- —
- Place of performance
- CO
- Period
- 2015-06-17 → 2015-12-17
Description
Methane fueled ascent / descent space engines in the 10,000 to 25,000 lbf thrust class require deep throttle capability, placing unique challenges on the turbopumps. Previous engine throttle-ability studies have required both LOX and fuel turbopumps to operate at ratios of volumetric flow rate to shaft speed (Q/N) of 0.2 to over 1 for 10:1 engine throttle operation. Such operational ranges are particularly difficult for pump axial inducers and vaned radial diffusers. Both are prone to fluid separation and stall at low Q/N operation and excessive passage blockage due to cavitation at high Q/N values. The proposed innovation combines two separate technologies to address the inherent design shortcomings of the inducer and diffuser under operation at both low and high Q/N extremes.