Abstract
Experimental and theoretical data are presented for two interchangeable swirl brakes designed in connection with the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Alternate Turbopump Development (ATD) High-Pressure Fuel Turbopump (HPFTP) program. The experimental data includes rotordynamic data for a extensive variation of test variables. Comparison of the swirl brake performance revealed that a nonaerodynamic swirl brake design proved as efficient and at times better than an aerodynamic design. For this reason a theoretical investigation using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was recently carried out. This modeling focused on predicting the seal inlet swirl ratio which is the primary swirl brake performance parameter. The nonaerodynamic swirl brake showed superior performance for a variety of test variable conditions. Strong separation vortices within the swirl vanes are the main reason for this finding.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
