Development of a 5,000 lbf Open-Cycle Kerosene-Oxygen Turbopump

Design of a kerosene-oxygen turbopump utilizing a conventional open-cycle gas-generator system architecture sized to power a 5,000-lbf thrust chamber is described. A conservative design approach tolerant of low performance in return for reduced risk, ease of integration, and lower cost is utilized. The conventional, single-shaft oxygen-kerosene-turbine arrangement is chosen, allowing substantial use of FASTRAC and F1 prior art, and operating speed is maintained well below the first critical speed. Programmatic risk is further reduced through leverage of commercial tools such as CFturbo and Dyrobes for pump and rotordynamic design. Both additive and subtractive manufacturing processes are utilized, and requisite design for manufacture is discussed. Plans and procedures for manufacturing and quality assurance, as well as buildup of test and auxiliary infrastructure are additionally outlined in depth.