Model Based Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis (MBFMECA) for the RS-25 Engine using SysML
Shreyas Lakshmipuram Raghu, Lawrence Dale Thomas · AIAA Scitech 2021 Forum · 2021
View Video Presentation: https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2021-0305.vid In this era of successive crewed spaceflights, there is a dynamic need for improvement of the reliability and maintainability of the spacecrafts. One of the main drivers for the successful spacecraft is a robust and a versatile propulsion system. The design of a propulsion system requires striking the right balance between performance, reliability, and cost. The key emphasis of this study will be in the context of reliability. This study proposes a model-based framework for the Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) using Systems Modeling Language (SysML). This framework is exemplified on the legacy rocket engine, the RS-25, formerly known as the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME). The objective of using the SSME from the space shuttle era for the Space Launch System (SLS) missions necessitates upgrades to reduce the cost of engine. Further, the upgrades will require the recertification of the engine for crewed launch. The selection of this engine for this study is subsequently driven to benefit the recertification efforts enabled through a Model Based Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis (MBFMECA). Therefore, within the context of Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) the MBFMECA has been developed and detailed. The proposed framework shall compliment on-going research efforts on affordability of the RS-25 engines.