DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR A SPACE-SHUTTLE MAIN ENGINE TURBINE BLADE MADE OF SINGLE-CRYSTAL MATERIAL

Nonlinear finite-element structural analyses were performed on the first stage high pressure fuel turbopump blade of the space shuttle main engine (SSME). These analyses examined the structural response and the dynamic characteristics at typical operating conditions. Single crystal material PWA-1480 was considered for the analyses. Structural response and the blade natural frequencies with respect to the crystal orientation were investigated. The analyses were conducted based on typical test stand engine cycle. Influence of combined thermal, aerodynamic and centrifugal loadings was considered. Results obtained showed that the single crystal secondary orientation effects on the maximum principal stresses are not highly significant. Campbell diagrams were constructed and natural frequencies as a function of crystal orientation were plotted.