turbopumps
High-speed propellant circulators
Turbopumps are high-speed pumps driven by turbines, used primarily in rocket engines to force propellants into the combustion chamber at extreme pressures.
The turbine typically runs on the same fuel or oxidizer it pumps, creating a self-sustaining system.
Turbopump failure is a common cause of rocket engine malfunction—the machinery operates under punishing conditions of speed, temperature, and pressure.
Substance creating thrust
- thrustForceful forward motion
- combustionExothermic reaction with oxygen
- nozzleFlow-directing pipe fitting
- cryogenicsUltralow temperature science
oxidizer · LOX · kerosene · hydrazine · injector · booster · staging · ignition
Pump's spinning blade assembly
- inducerSomething that triggers
- rotorSpinning mechanical assembly
- statorImmobile motor component
- voluteArchitectural spiral ornament
bearings · seals · cavitation · axial · centrifugal · efficiency · lubrication · thermodynamics
Force upon contact
- psi23rd Greek letter
- megapascalSI pressure unit
- valveFluid flow controller
- manifoldMany and various
hydraulics · compression · fluid · gauge · accumulator · discharge · inlet · outlet
propellant
Substance creating thrust
- thrustForceful forward motion
- combustionExothermic reaction with oxygen
- nozzleFlow-directing pipe fitting
cryogenics · oxidizer · LOX · kerosene · hydrazine · injector · booster · staging · ignition · feed
impeller
Pump's spinning blade assembly
volute · bearings · seals · cavitation · axial · centrifugal · efficiency · lubrication · thermodynamics · shaft
pressure
Force upon contact
- psi23rd Greek letter
- megapascalSI pressure unit
- valveFluid flow controller
manifold · hydraulics · compression · fluid · gauge · accumulator · discharge · inlet · outlet · head