Shuttle RCS primary thruster injector flow visualizationAn image-transmitting fiber-optics scope with a dry gas purge of the optics head has been used to visually evaluate the condition of surplus thrusters in the Space Shuttle's Reaction Control System; it was subsequently applied to flight thrusters. The technique uses water for flow visualization, and obviates thruster disassembly. The innovative use of gas purging of a fiber-optics head allows the unobstructed and distortion-free viewing of the flow streams, and testing has shown the technique to be ideally suited to injector flow assessments following thruster exposure to extensive contamination.
Document ID
19880065881
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Wells, Dennis L. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)