Problem - 57

The specific speed (Ns) is expressed as:

N Q
Ns 
 g o H e 
3
4

where N is in radian/sec, Q in m3/s, g0 as 9.81 m/s2 and H in meters.

Additional Data: The rotational speed (in rpm) of the SSME pumps are given below:

LPOTP (Low Pressure Oxidizer Turbo Pump) = 5150 rpm

LPFTP (Low Pressure Fuel Turbo Pump) = 16185 rpm
HPOTP (High Pressure Oxidizer Turbo Pump) = 28120 rpm
HPFTP (High Pressure Fuel Turbo Pump) = 35360 rpm

Density of LOX = 1141 kg/m3

Density of LH2 = 71 kg/m3

To convert H e (MPa) to meter, divide H e (MPa) by  g 0 .

To convert N (rpm) to N (rad/s), multiply N (rpm) by 0.1047.

Solution:

The specific speeds of the four SSME pumps are shown in the last column (marked RED).

N (rpm) m (kg/s) H e (MPa)  (kg/m3 ) H e (m) Q (m3 /s) N (rad/s) Ns 

N Q
 g o H e 
3
4

LPOTP 5150 425 2.89-0.5 = 2.39 1141 213.5 0.3724 539.205 1.06
LPFTP 16185 70.4 2.09-0.9 = 1.19 71 1708.5 0.991 760.69 0.51
HPOTP 28120 509 27.8-2.7 = 25.1 1141 2242.43 0.446 2944.16 1.08
HPFTP 35360 70.4 41-1.63 = 39.37 71 56524.6 0.991 3702.19 0.18

Looking at the Ns values obtained, the type of pumps are indicated below:

LPOTP Near Axial

LPFTP 0.51
HPOTP Near Axial
HPFTP Near Radial


The value of Ns for the LPFTP does not find a place in the following chart. Calculations need to be checked again.