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RCL-11
Cell 11 is an altitude facility for conducting small chemical propulsion research. Performance and life tests can be conducted, as well as research-oriented work using instrumented or optically accessible hardware. The facility is highly flexible, requires minimal staffing, and provides for quick turnarounds.
RCL-11 Features:
- Gaseous oxygen/gaseous hydrogen propellants
- Altitude simulation (137000 ft, 10 torr)
- Continuous mass flowrates up to 0.20 lbm/sec
- Steady-state and pulse testing
- Digital data acquisition w/ real-time data reduction
- Thrust measurements from 2 to 35 lbf
- Two-color pyrometry for high temperature measurements
- Laser-based diagnostics (Rayleigh, Raman, LIF, Color Schlieren)
RCL-12
Cell 12 is a smaller test cell with advanced monopropellant material capacity. It is currently supporting a high-pressure nitrogen test rig for the (Orion) CEV flight test office. The cell is equipped with its own control room and laser room.
RCL-21
Cell 21 is a low-thrust (50 lbf maximum) combustion facility with altitude simulation capability up to approximately 90,000 ft. The cell is equipped with an air drive ejection trans with suction capacity of 0.12 lb/s DAE at vacuum levels of 10 torr. The cell is currently involved in LOX/CH2 ignition testing for Orion. Cell 21 is used frequently to test rocket engine igniters and other subscale rocket engine components. Propellant capabilities include gaseous hydrogen up to 0.3 lb/s, and gaseous oxygen up to 1.0 lb/s. Other propellants include liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen (LOX=2.0 lb/s) , and various hydrocarbon fuels including methane (CH2=0.5).
RCL-22
Cell 22 is a sea-level test stand, typically used as a high-temperature thermal shock rig to test advanced rocket engine materials. The test stand is capable of thrust capabilities up to 2,000 lbf and includes active cooling using a 2,000 lb de-ionized water system. Propellants include both gaseous and liquid hydrogen, gaseous oxygen, various hydrocarbon fuels with chamber pressures to 1,000 psig.
RCL-24C
Cell 24C has been upgraded to provide testing of Regenerative Fuel Cells. Gaseous hydrogen up to 0.0045 lb/s, and gaseous oxygen up to 0.0023 lb/s can be supplied to the fuel cells. De-ionized water is supplied at a flow rate up to 2 gpm at 100 °C. The test cell is rated Class I, Division II for NEC hazardous atmospheres. Electrical input of 10 volts dc at 200 amps is provided to the electrolyzer units, and electronic power dissipation can dissipate up to 20 Kw.
RCL-31/32
Cell 32 is a 2000 lbf space combustion test stand. Propellants include both gaseous and liquid hydrogen up to 1.0 lb/s, and both gaseous and liquid oxygen at up to 7.0 lb/s. Other propellants such as Hydrocarbon fuels are also available. Cooling for the test article can be provided using water, liquid hydrogen, or gaseous hydrogen.
SMiRF Test Facility Capabilities
Visit the SMiRF site to learn more...
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