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Dynamic Transfer Function Measurements for Cavitating Pumps

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: NNM04AA09C
Agency Tracking Number: 023265
Amount: $599,997.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: A4.01
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2002
Award Year: 2004
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2003-12-01
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2005-11-30
Small Business Information
217 Billings Farm Road
White River Jct, VT 05001-9486
United States
DUNS: 024355802
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Dr. Karl D. Wygant
 Principal Investigator
 (802) 296-2321
 kdw@conceptsnrec.com
Business Contact
 H. Keiling
Title: Executive Vice President
Phone: (802) 296-2321
Email: hak@conceptsnrec.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

The Phase I effort demonstrated the feasibility of measuring cavitating inducer dynamic transfer functions using an upgraded Concepts NREC pump test facility. As there are no analytical tools or experimental facilities in the world today that can quantify a cavitating inducer?s dynamic transfer function, developing this capability is crucial for the safety, reliability and competitiveness of the American Space Industry. An innovative experimental technique that uses mappings of inlet and exit flow and pressure fluctuations to quantify a cavitating inducer?s dynamic transfer function is proposed. A cavitating inducer can be a source of instability in a rocket vehicle. Due to cavitation dynamics, inlet flow perturbations maybe amplified by the inducer resulting in very large flow and pressure fluctuations in the fuel system. The resulting dynamic couplings can lead to vehicle instability (POGO) as well as generate intense dynamic loadings on the turbopump. The feasibility of implementing the proposed measurement technique on an upgraded Concepts NREC water flow test loop was demonstrated in the Phase I effort. Implementation of the test loop upgrades and demonstration of the transfer function measurement technique on a scaled inducer with a historical pedigree will occur in the proposed Phase II effort.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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