Hydrostatic Damper for the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) High Pressure Oxidizer Turbopump (HPOTP)

Alternative methods were evaluated for increasing rotor damping on the SSME HPOTP to reduce bearing dynamic loads and extend their useful life. A unique application of a hydrostatic damper was developed by incorporating a hydrostatic element between stationary turbine bearing support components. Damper design is shown to be dependent on accurate rotordynamic response analysis. Optimization to achieve maximum damper performance under high loading conditions and limited supply flow is discussed