MEMS Seminar Series: Structural Dynamics of Rocket Engines

Structural Dynamics plays a key role in the design, test, and operation of rocket engines. We'll start by reviewing some basic concepts in Structural Dynamics, and then focus on specific applications of these techniques for the analysis of rocket engines. These include the Campbell Diagram for resonance identification in turbomachinery, the "side-loads" fluid/structure interaction problem in over-expanded rocket nozzles, and the necessity of a system loads model for the generation of interface design loads. The role of modal test for verification will also be discussed. As structural dynamics is frequently a root-cause in failure investigations, we'll be able to see some spectacular video of these failures as well.