A summary analysis for space shuttle main engine (SSME) high-pressure fuel turbopump(HPFTP) failure modes was given

while the failure problems and corresponding solutions of HPFTP critical components were comprehensively analyzed. The study shows that:(1)there exists significant differences in the failure modes among the SSME HPFTP

the expendable liquid rocket engine hydrogen turbopump and aero gas turbine; (2) the important failure modes affecting HPFTP life are turbine blade fracture and the thermal mechanical fatigue of thermal shield system; the turbine blade fractures are induced by the high temperature creep deformation and high-speed centrifugal force; the HPFTP start and shutdown transient effects seriously affect the turbine blades as well

which should be considered in the turbine blade life prediction; (3) sub-synchronous vibration which is mainly caused by the bearings and the pump interstage seal

is a critical failure mode encountered during the preliminary design phase of SSME HPFTP; (4) the failure of lift-off seal

a proprietary seal failure mode of SSME HPFTP

is also an important part of HPFTP failures.