1995 Catalog Data: 14:650:459 Aerospace Propulsion. Credits 3.

Theory of air-breathing and rocket engines. Propulsion performance parameters and mission requirements. Operation of diffusers, combustors, rockets, and jet engines. Design project.

Prerequisites:  Fluids, 14:650:312 & Thermodynamics 14:650:351

Textbook:  Hill, P.G. and Peterson, C.R., Mechanics and Thermodynamics of Propulsion, Second Edition, Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1992.

Coordinator: K. Rais, Adjunct Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Goals:

This course is intended to prepare the student to effectively use the principles of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics in the design and analysis of the propulsion devices used in aerospace applications.

Prerequisite by topic:

1. First and Second law of thermodynamics.
2. Thermodynamic cycle analysis.
3. Fluid dynamics of a compressible fluid. Mach number.
   
   

Topics:

1. Introduction. Review of applicable fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and compressible flow. (2 classes)
2. One dimensional steady flow of a perfect gas. Normal and oblique shocks. (3 classes)
3. Thermodynamics of aircraft jet engines. thrust, efficiency, fuel consumption, turbojet, ramjet, turbofan. aerodynamic losses. (4 classes)
4. Aerothermodynamics of jet engine components., diffusers, inlets, combustors, thrust nozzles(3 classes)
5. Axial flow and centrifugal compressors (2 classes)
6. Axial flow turbines (2 classes)
7. Rocket performance parameters. (2 classes)
8. Chemical rockets. Thrust, nozzles, heat transfer, cooling, combustion chambers. (4 classes)
9. Boundary layer heat transfer (4 classes)
10. Exams (2 classes and a Final Exam)

Design Project:

One design assignment consisted of a parametric study on a turbojet and a turbofan engine. Students had to calculate operating parameters (such as specific thrust, and propulsion efficiency) as a function of Mach number, and then they had to discuss how these parameters can be used to choose between the two engines for a particular application. Another design assignment was a parametric study on an axial turbine. Students had to show the influence of design rpm on the operating parameters of these components.

Computer Usage:

Computer used as a tool for design projects and computation of compressible fluid flow parameters.

Abet Category Content:

Engineering Science: 1.5 credits or 50%

Engineering Design: 1.5 credits or 50%