Failure Investigation of an Intra-Manifold Explosion in a Horizontally-Mounted 870 lbf Reaction Control Thruster

摘要

A ground test of an 870 lbf Shuttle reaction control thruster experienced an unplanned failure. Inspection of the thruster found significant deformation of the fuel manifold closure with obvious cracking. Further investigation determined than an explosive event occurred within the fuel manifold. The explosion occurred because of liquid oxidizer present in the fuel manifold. The oxidizer in the fuel manifold failure mechanism was previously undocumented and is in contrast to the typical intra-manifold explosion mechanism where fuel is present in the oxidizer manifold.