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Advanced Health Management System for the Space Shuttle Main EnginePratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc., in cooperation with NASA-Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), has developed a new Advanced Health Management System (AHMS) controller for the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) that will increase the probability of successfully placing the shuttle into the intended orbit and increase the safety of the Space Transportation System (STS) launches. The AHMS is an upgrade o the current Block II engine controller whose primary component is an improved vibration monitoring system called the Real-Time Vibration Monitoring System (RTVMS) that can effectively and reliably monitor the state of the high pressure turbomachinery and provide engine protection through a new synchronous vibration redline which enables engine shutdown if the vibration exceeds predetermined thresholds. The introduction of this system required improvements and modification to the Block II controller such as redesigning the Digital Computer Unit (DCU) memory and the Flight Accelerometer Safety Cut-Off System (FASCOS) circuitry, eliminating the existing memory retention batteries, installation of the Digital Signal Processor (DSP) technology, and installation of a High Speed Serial Interface (HSSI) with accompanying outside world connectors. Test stand hot-fire testing along with lab testing have verified successful implementation and is expected to reduce the probability of catastrophic engine failures during the shuttle ascent phase and improve safely by about 23% according to the Quantitative Risk Assessment System (QRAS), leading to a safer and more reliable SSME.
Document ID
20060047451
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Davidson, Matt
(Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne Canoga Park, CA, United States)
Stephens, John
(Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne Canoga Park, CA, United States)
Rodela, Chris
(Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne Canoga Park, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2006
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Meeting Information
Meeting: AFRL Integrated System Health Management Conference
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Country: United States
Start Date: August 14, 2004
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS8-01140
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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