Critical Speed Analysis of the Liquid Rocket Turbopump

Numerical analyses of critical speed and mass unbalance response are performed for a 30 ton thrust turbopump. The stiffness and damping of ball bearings and non-contact seals are quantified under aerodynamic and hydrodynamic loads induced by a fuel pump and turbine. Critical speed margin and tip displacements of the rotating parts are evaluated using a three-dimensional finite element method. The results are used to ensure the soundness of the rotordynamic design using an one-dimensional transfer matrix method. A further study shows that sufficient resonance margin may be assured via controlling the stiffness of the rotor support by employing an additional elastic ring to the bearing support.