The complicated high-pressure cycle of the space shuttle main engine (SSME) propellant path provides many opportunities for external propellant path leaks while the engine is running. This mode of engine failure may be detected and analyzed with sufficient speed to save critical engine test hardware from destruction. The leaks indicate hardware failures which will damage or destroy an engine if undetected; therefore, detection of both cryogenic and hot gas leaks is the objective of this investigation. The primary objective of this phase of the investigation is the experimental validation of techniques for detecting and analyzing propellant path external leaks which have a high probability of occurring on the SSME. The selection of candidate detection methods requires a good analytic model for leak plumes which would develop from external leaks and an understanding of radiation transfer through the leak plume. One advanced propellant path leak detection technique is obtained by using state-of-the-art technology infrared (IR) thermal imaging systems combined with computer, digital image processing, and expert systems for the engine protection. The feasibility of IR leak plume detection is evaluated on subscale simulated laboratory plumes to determine sensitivity, signal to noise, and general suitability for the application.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    SSME propellant path leak detection


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    1989-10-26


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    SSME propellant path leak detection

    Crawford, Roger / Shohadaee, Ahmad Ali / Powers, W. T. | NTRS | 1995


    SSME propellant path leak detection real-time

    Crawford, R. A. / Smith, L. M. | NTRS | 1994


    Propellant Densification: The SSME Perspective

    Greene, William / Boxx, Dayna | AIAA | 2002


    Propellant Densification for Shuttle: The SSME Perspective

    Greene, W. D. / Boxx, D. L. / American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2002