Space propulsion systems diagnostics

The author presents a systems-level approach to integrating state-of-the-art rocket engine technology with advanced computational techniques to develop an integrated diagnostic system (IDS) for space propulsion systems. The key feature of this IDS is the use of advanced diagnostic algorithms for failure detection as opposed to the practice of redline-based failure detection methods. The author presents a top-down analysis of rocket engine diagnostic requirements, rocket engine operation, sensor technologies, and applicable diagnostic algorithms which serve as a basis for the IDS. The concepts of hierarchical, model-based information processing are described together with the use of signal processing, pattern recognition, and artificial intelligence techniques which are an integral part of this diagnostic systems