To confirm weak parts of engine and guide the reusable rocket engine reliability design

the key failure mode analysis of major components for space shuttle main engine (SSME) was conducted based on fuzzy fault tree analysis and factor analysis. The result show that the elementary event of highest critical importance is the bearing failure of high-pressure oxidizer turbine pump caused by flaking

pits

wear and corrosion

which is obtained by fuzzy fault tree analysis. The typical failure mode of highest comprehensive factor in engine system is turbine blade failure evaluated by considering risk time

and probability in factor analysis.