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Propulsion Systems Laboratory (PSL)
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Quick Facts
Characteristics
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Facility Fact

Real-time display and post-test data reduction are available for all measured and calculated parameters.


C-2004-966: Technicians installing a jet engine in the PSL C-2004-961: Jet engine setup in the PSL
Facility Characteristics
The Propulsion Systems Laboratory is NASA's only ground-based test facility that can provide true flight simulation for experimental research on air-breathing propulsion systems.

Characteristics and Performance
  • Altitude simulation to 90,000 ft
  • Two engine test cells: PSL-3 and PSL-4
  • Mach Number Range:
    • PSL-3: to 3.0
    • PSL-4: to 4.0
    • PSL-4: Freejet Mach No. with auxiliary heater - to 6.0
  • Tied to central compressed air and exhaust systems
  • Thrust measurement: 50,000 lbf horizontal axis, 15,000 lbf vertical and lateral axes

Combustion Air System

  • Main Supply
    • 480 lbs/sec @ ambient temperature and 55 psia
    • 380 lbs/sec @ ambient temperature and 165 psia
    • 240 lbs/sec @ 1100°F and 165 psia
    • 380 lbs/sec @ -40°F and 25 psia (PSL-3)
    • 30 lbs/sec @ -90°F and 25 psia (PSL-4)
  • Cooling Air Supply
    • 100 lbs/sec @ ambient temperature and 55 psia to 165 psia

Altitude Exhaust System

  • Altitude Range: sea level standard to 90,000 ft
  • Mass Flow: up to 750 lbs/sec

Support Systems

  • Jet Fuel System: Two 25,000 gallon tanks supporting various types of fuel (JET-A, JP-4, JP-5, JP-8)
  • Natural Gas system: 10 inch header @ 50 psig
  • Gaseous Hydrogen System: 1 lb/sec @ 600 psig -- 3 lbs/sec @ 1100 psig, maximum pressure is 2400 psig
  • Gaseous Oxygen System: 3 lbs/sec @ 1200 psig, 10 lbs/sec @ 400 psig, maximum pressure is 2400 psig
  • Gaseous Nitrogen System: 132,000 scf @ 2400 psig
  • Hydraulic System: 100 gpm @ 3000 psig
  • High Pressure Hydraulic System: 100 gpm @ 6000 psig
  
Further Information
NASA's ATP Program
Read about one of the largest, most versatile and comprehensive set of testing facilities in the nation.
+ View the fact sheet (PDF)
Propulsion Systems Laboratory (PSL)
Provides true flight simulation for air-breathing propulsion
+ View the fact sheet (PDF)
GRC Research Facilities
Find out more about the research facilities at NASA's Glenn Research Center
+ View the site
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"The right facility at the right time" - NASA Aeronautics Test Program




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NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NASA Official: Tony Springer
Last Updated: October 14, 2011
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