Examination of the effect of propulsion system performance variables on the life prediction for the SSME Lox Post

The main objective is to calculate damage evolution at the critical location of selected components of reusable space propulsion systems as the function of their operating environments and to relate the evolution of damage at the critical locations to the performance variables of the propulsion system using advanced constitutive and damage models. The models so developed will be oriented toward use in an advanced diagnostic/prognostic health monitoring system for reusable propulsion systems. The components to be modelled include a Lox Post (injector element), a thrust chamber, and a turbine blade. The study conducted on the Lox Post is reported.