Numerical analysis of the three-dimensional flow in the main injector assembly of the Space Shuttle Main Engine
The Main Injector Assembly of the Space Shuttle Main Engine supplies the propellants to the Main Combustion Chamber through a large number of vertical injector elements. The gas flow around these elements (LOX posts) is three-dimensional, turbulent and compressible. This paper presents the results of numerical modeling of the hot and cool sections of the Main Injector Assembly and shows that the shields on the outermost row of injector elements affect the flow and the pressure drop in the hot section significantly. It is suggested that appropriate experiments are undertaken to verify the predictions.