Computational and experimental study of flow-induced vibration of the SSME main injector post

Conference · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1986

OSTI ID:5719388

Chen, S S; Jendrzejczyk, J A; Wambsganss, M W

The Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) liquid-oxygen (LOX) posts are subjected to high-velocity turbulent flow from the transfer ducts. In a preliminary assessment of the vibration problem, it was determined that the two potential excitation mechanisms for LOX post vibration are fluidelastic instability and turbulent buffeting. A fundamental study is being conducted to understand the problem and to develop techniques to avoid detrimental vibrational effects with the objective of improving engine life. This paper summarizes the results of an analytical model for fluidelastic instability and test results for turbulent buffeting of a tube array in crossflow. A general theory of fluidelastic instability for a tube array in crossflow is presented. Various techniques to obtain the motion-dependent fluid-force coefficients are discussed and the general instability characteristics are summarized. The theory is also used to evaluate the results of other mathematical models for crossflow-induced instability. The fluid excitation forces acting on a tube array are presented as a function of Reynolds number, incoming flow conditions, and tube location in an array. The experimental data show the general characteristics of flow across a tube array. As the flow passes through each row of tubes, the fluid is subjected to resistance, the effect of which is to convert some of the fluid pressure energy to turbulent energy. In the first few rows, the transformation of energy occurs in a somewhat orderly manner. As the flow reaches the interior tubes, unsteadiness of the flow increases and, usually, a randomness of the flow and its pressure fluctuation exists in the flow field.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 5719388
• Report Number(s): CONF-8605142-1; ON: DE86012119
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420400* -- Engineering-- Heat Transfer & Fluid Flow
AIRCRAFT
CROSSFLOW SYSTEMS
ENGINES
FLUID FLOW
INSTABILITY
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS
SPACE SHUTTLES
SPACE VEHICLES
TUBES
TURBULENT FLOW
VEHICLES