LSES Model Test Program Engineering Design and Analysis Report, Lauffer, 29 Nov 1979 (0106)
This report summarizes the LSES Model Test Program. The tests were performed at Rocketdyne's Canoga Park, California Pump Test Facility. A hydrodynamic scale model of the 3K SES propulsor (PJ-46) was designed, fabricated and tested during the 18-month program. In March 1979, Rocketdyne began a program in which an exact hydrodynamic model of the 3K SES propulsor was to be designed, fabricated, and tested. The model geometry was proportionally scaled (by a factor of 1:6.3329) from the full-scale design. A tip speed of 200 ft/sec was maintained resulting in the same mechanical stresses and fluid pressures (static and dynamic) for both the model and full-scale propulsor. In addition to being geometrically similar, the model hydrodynamic components were fabricated from the same material, e.g. an aluminum inlet elbow and titanium inducer, stator, rotor, straightening vanes, and other housings. A design which allowed complete yaw probe surveys of inlet and discharge conditions for every component, as well as visual observation of the inducer and rotor (while operating) was fabricated. Tests were performed to establish the head rise, efficiency, suction capability, and cavitation endurance of the model. Surveys of the flowfield (radial and circumferential) were performed using fixed position kiel (total pressure) probes and a motorized yaw probe equipped with either a wedge (early) or cobra head (later in the program). Turbine speed matching and discharge separation problems were solved by minor design changes which were incorporated in the model pump hardware.