Butterfly Valves are indispensable for rocket engines to control and Isolate fluid. The Valves are exposed to intense thermal and structural operating conditions as well as external conditions.
Problem
Human-rated spacecraft components need to meet strict design and analysis requirements and specification to be qualified for testing.
Solution/Method
A detailed 3D finite element models was generated for each Butterfly valve. Multi-physics and combined loading analyses including Flow Capacity (CFD), Structural, Thermal, Safety& Hazard, Failure Modes & Criticality, and Fracture Mechanics analyses were utilized.
Results
A series of analyses based design optimization are performed to meet a tree of requirement under individual and combined loading condition.
Key takeaways
- The design was optimized and qualified for testing
- Analysis driven design delivered an exponential increase in strength and durability
- The weight was minimally increased to meet requirements by redistributing material based on analysis results