Turbopump configuration selection for the Space Shuttle main engine

Abstract

Studies to define the optimum turbopump configurations for the Space Shuttle propulsion system are reported. For each propellant, two turbopumps - one low-pressure and one high-pressure - are needed to generate the high discharge pressures required for engine operation. The optimization of the four pumps resulted in the selection of an axial inducer type for both low-pressure pumps and in a three-stage centrifugal pump for the high-pressure hydrogen turbopump; meanwhile the oxygen pump features a double inlet main impeller. This impeller feeds the thrust chamber injector, as well as a preburner pump, which boosts the main impeller discharge pressure to the required preburner pressure. The interaction between engine performance and obtainable turbopump performance is discussed, and the reasons for the final selection of the turbine and pump types are presented.