Barber-Nichols, LLC — National Aeronautics and Space Administration SBIR Phase I: Propellant densification systems for LH2 require compression systems that develop signific
Barber-Nichols, LLC — SBIR Phase I award from National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
- Amount
- $124,974
- Agency
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Program / Phase
- SBIR · Phase I
- NAICS
- —
- Place of performance
- CO
- Period
- 2013-05-23 → 2013-11-23
Description
Propellant densification systems for LH2 require compression systems that develop significant head. In the past this has required multiple stages of compressors running at high speed on grease-packed ball bearings with very limited life, large heat leak and questionable rotordynamic stability. This project will utilize foil bearings with an innovative feature that will greatly increase bearing life/rotordynamic stability, drastically reduce number of stages and cost while increasing efficiency.