Pogo suppression on space shuttle - early studies

Preliminary studies for pogo prevention on the shuttle vehicle are reported. The importance of the effect of oscillatory outflow from a hydroelastic tank is displayed in terms of excitation of normal modes for a structure containing that tank assuming its outlet is closed. Evaluation of an approximate propulsion frequency response at undamped feedline resonance reveals the conditions for which the contribution of tank outflow is destabilizing and also provides a criterion for identifying those structural modes which are of potential significance for system stability. Various finite-element and normal-mode models for hydraulic feedlines are evaluated relative to accuracy of admittances of a long line. A procedure is recommended for modeling a feed system to minimize the required number of second-order equations. Specific recommendations are made for the analytical estimation of pump cavitation compliance and a first estimate for the shuttle pumps is given. Weakness in past practices of pump testing are identified and a new three-phase program is proposed. Finally results of numerical studies on the early vehicle configuration are presented. It is concluded that an accumulator between the boost and main pump offers promise of higher effectiveness than one at the engine inlet.