Turbopump

A turbopump can refer to either of two types of pumps.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

• Turbomolecular pumps are also called turbopumps and are used to obtain high vacuum.
• Another type of turbopump is a pump in which the fluid is moved by the blades of a high-speed turbine. Turbopumps are used with rocket engines to provide pressure for the fuel and oxidizer to be injected into the combustion chamber. In general, a turbopump is used when it is infeasible to use a pressure-fed engine, which requires much stronger tanks to hold the fuel and oxidizer. This article describes only that type of pump.
 
Turbopump: Early Development ►