Research Projects

The turbopumps and propulsion systems for space transfer vehicles require long-life turbopumps with high shaft speed capability. Rolling-element bearings used in current turbopumps do not have sufficient life for these applications. Process fluid foil bearings generally have long life and high speed capability, with exceptional reliability, over a wide range of temperatures and fluids. Obtaining high radial stiffness is often a challenge in the development of foil bearings. The research will be focused on the development of foil bearings with high stiffness, speed capability and life for cryogenic turbopump applications (Liquid hydrogen and Liquid Oxygen). This also involves mathematical modeling for designing and estimation of performance parameters of foil bearings. Advanced foil designs namely leaf type, bump type, tape type etc. will be studied for use in turbopumps.