Thrust chamber health monitoring

With the arrival of the reusable space propulsion systems, the new field of propulsion system health monitoring is emerging. Health monitoring consists of measuring and reviewing engine operating parameters which will warn of engine deterioration or abnormal operation well in advance of any failure. The health monitoring data can be used to establish that an engine should be repaired or replaced, thereby avoiding a future flight failure. This paper presents a status report on the development of a health monitoring system for regeneratively cooled thrust chambers. The system employs a single measurement with a simple nonintrusive sensor to monitor the operation of the engine. The basic measuring and sensor concept is explained and the results of both laboratory and engine firing tests with the health monitoring system are presented.