ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE EUROPEAN EXPANDER DEMONSTRATOR 2006-2007 HOT FIRING TESTS

摘要

The intent of this publication is to provide an overview of expander engine demonstrator program based on Vinci engine over the 2006-2007 period. The VINCI engine was initially developed as an 180 kN reignitable upper stage cryogenic engine. Its features are now investigated in the frame of the ESA Future Launcher Preparatory Program (FLPP). The engine uses the cryogenic expander cycle, combining the required features of this cycle, i.e. high performance chamber cooling and high performance hydrogen turbopump, together with proven design concepts based on the experience of previous European cryogenic engines HM7 and Vulcain. The high performance of this engine and its restart capability offer potential applications on various future launcher upper stages as well as orbital spacecraft. The publication will focus on the major achievements of the years 2006-2007, in particular the main results of the engine test campaigns. The first two engine test campaigns took place in 2005 and first semester of 2006 in the frame of the Ariane 5+ program with objectives pertaining to start-up and shut-down sequence adjustment, behaviour of the upper part of the composite nozzle. The on-going third test campaign has objectives related to transient robustness evaluation, long duration operation, exploration of the entire operating domain, engine restart.