Aircraft/Rocket Propulsion Technology

At the end of this course, the students should be able to: 1. make design choices between jet and rocket propulsion systems based on performance issues; 2. calculate energy release such as adiabatic flame temperatures and equilibrium composition of gases at known temperature and pressure; 3. analyse the thermodynamic performance of jet engine cycles and compute relevant performance parameters; 4. perform and report preliminary design calculations to size jet engines to meet specific performance goals; 5. analyze the thermodynamic performance of simple chemical and electrical rocket cycles and compute relevant performance parameters; and 6. characterise the performance and operating/design constraints for inlets, compressors, combustors, turbines and nozzles.

The theories and principles of jet and rocket propulsion. Thermodynamic cycles. The mechanics and thermodynamics of combustion. Turbine engine and rocket performance characteristics. Component and cycle analysis of jet engines and turbomachinery. AAE 407: Aerodynamics Experiment Methods, Instrumentation and Propulsion Lab (2 Units C: PH 30) Learning Outcomes At the end of this course, the students should be able to: 1. describe the applications of the fundamental principles taught in aerodynamics courses; 2. exhibit basic knowledge related to experimental aerodynamics and measurements techniques; 3. become proficient in the use of basic equipment representative of aerospace engineering practice; 4. explain how to design experiments and how to conduct experiments; 5. discuss how to analyse and evaluate experimental data; 6. write good laboratory reports; 7. gain more laboratory experiences to get “hands-on” lab training; and 8. gain experiences to promote the spirit of team-work among the engineering students. Course Contents The laboratories introduce undergraduate students to experimental methods in aerodynamics and propulsion. Experiments include subsonic wind tunnel tests of the forces and pressures on aircraft models, wings, cylinders, spheres and spheroids. They also include design and execution of flat plate boundary layer measurement as a team effort. Gas turbine engine teaching kits are used to illustrate the principles of propulsion. Introductory topics include: wind tunnel design and layout; measurement principles for subsonic and supersonic flows. Prerequisite(s) or Concurrent(s): AAE 308, AAE 430 or consent of instructor.