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The noncavitating performance and life of a small vane-type positive displacement pump in liquid hydrogenThe low flow rate and high head rise requirements of hydrogen/oxygen auxiliary propulsion systems make the application of centrifugal pumps difficult. Positive displacement pumps are well-suited for these flow conditions, but little is known about their performance and life characteristics in liquid hydrogen. An experimental and analytical investigation was conducted to determine the performance and life characteristics of a vane-type, positive displacement pump. In the experimental part of this effort, mass flow rate and shaft torque were determined as functions of shaft speed and pump pressure rise. Since liquid hydrogen offers little lubrication in a rubbing situation, pump life is an issue. During the life test, the pump was operated intermittently for 10 hr at the steady-state point of 0.074 lbm/sec (0.03 kg/sec) flow rate, 3000 psid (2.07 MPa) pressure rise, and 9000 rpm (938 rad/sec) shaft speed. Pump performance was monitored during the life test series and the results indicated no loss in performance. Material loss from the vanes was recorded and wear of the other components was documented. In the analytical part of this effort, a comprehensive pump performance analysis computer code, developed in-house, was used to predict pump performance. The results of the experimental investigation are presented and compared with the results of the analysis. Results of the life test are also presented.
Document ID
19870030720
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Ulbricht, T. E.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Hemminger, J. A.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1986
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 86-1438
Accession Number
87A17994
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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