Engine Test

Abstract

An important character of a rocket engine and its components is the lifetime. Because we don’t have plenty of it. As well as the lifetime, the number of engine cycles (hot runs) is limited. Therefore the consumed lifetime and cycles performed are subjects of exact accounting in the engine and component logbooks. For this purpose, a precise definition of what counts as a test is necessary. Concerning the contractual aspects between the operator of the facility and the customer, we speak about a test as soon as the feed lines of the test facility are filled. For this step the test clearance is necessary which means the complete test preparation is successfully performed. Even in the case of abortion shortly after this step, from the contractual view the test is considered as performed.