1AEPC304 - Aerospace Propulsion
Course Objectives & Outcomes :
The course Aerospace Propulsion focuses on propulsion systems commonly used in aerospace vehicles today and in future. The course aims to introduce the principles of rocket propulsion, rocket engine types such as solid propellant rocket engine, liquid propellant rocket engine, and electric propulsion rocket engines.
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to
Explain and illustrate the working principle of various types of aerospace propulsion systems. (K2)
Explain the properties that affect the choice of liquid propellant and their performance. (K2)
Apply the principles of rocket propulsion to solve the numerical problems related to aerospace propulsion. (K3)
Analyze the flow through various rocket nozzle configurations and comment on the losses. (K4)
Carry out preliminary design calculations and determine the design parameters of a solid rocket motor. (K5)
Determine the flight characteristics of an electric propulsion rocket engine. (K5)
Course Contents :
Unit 1 - History and Principles of Rocket Propulsion
The development of the rocket
Classification of rocket engines and their operating principle
Multi-stage rockets
Basic configuration of thermal rocket engine
The thermodynamics of the rocket engine
The development of thrust and the effect of the atmosphere
Unit 2 - Rocket Nozzle Theory
Assumptions for ideal rocket
Isentropic flow through the nozzle - Area Velocity Relationship
Under expanded and over expanded nozzles
Principal losses
Nozzle Configurations
Performance parameters and Performance correction factors
Unit 3 - Solid Propellant Rocket Engines
Lesson 05: Introduction to Solid Rocket Motors
Basic configuration of solid propellant rocket engines
The properties and the design of solid motors
Thrust stability, Thrust profile and grain shape
Solid Propellant composition: Additives, Toxic exhaust
Lesson 06: Solid Rocket Motor Combustion Chamber
Integrity of the combustion chamber
Thermal protection, Inter-section joints
Nozzle thermal protection, Ignition and Thrust vector control.
Lesson 07: Hybrid Rocket Motors
The basic configuration of a hybrid motor
Propellants and ignition, Combustion
Grain cross-section and Propulsive efficiency.
Unit 4 - Liquid Propellant Rocket Motors
Lesson 08: Liquid Propellant Engine
The basic configuration of the liquid propellant engine
The combustion chamber and nozzle: Injection, Ignition, Combustion instability
Thrust vector control
Liquid propellant distribution systems
Cooling of liquid-fuelled rocket engines.
Lesson 09: Liquid Propellant Combustion
Combustion and the choice of propellants:
Combustion temperature, Molecular weight
Propellant physical properties;
The performance of liquid-fuelled rocket engines
Liquid oxygen–liquid hydrogen engines
Liquid hydrocarbon–liquid oxygen engines
Storable propellant engines.
Unit 5 - Electric Propulsion
Lesson 10: Principles of Electric Propulsion
Electric vehicle performance
Vehicle velocity as a function of exhaust velocity
Vehicle velocity and structural/propellant mass.
Lesson 11: Electric Thrusters
Electro-thermal thrusters
Arc-jet thrusters
Non-Thermal electric thrusters
Propellant choice
Electrical efficiency
Plasma thrusters, Low-power electric thrusters
Electrical power generation and Applications of electric propulsion
Unit 6 - Electrostatic and Ion Thrusters
Lesson 12: Introduction to Ion Propulsion
Introduction and fundamentals of Ion propulsion
Performance Analysis and Characteristic Velocity
Payload, Specific Power
Electrical Thrust Devices: Ion and Colloid
Lesson 13: Electromagnetic Thrusters
Electromagnetic thrusters
Ion propulsion
Electric field and potential, Ion thrust
Lesson 14: Ion Rocket Engine
Ion Rocket Engine
Ion Sources
Electromagnetic Fields
Charged Colloid Sources
Text Books:
Reference Books:
Assessment Policy:
In-Semester Evaluation 1 :
(Continuous Assessment - Weightage 10 %)
Activity 1: Tutorial Assignments
Activity 2: Rocket Nozzle Design Assignment
Activity 3: Project Work on Solid Rocket Motor
Mid Semester Evaluation - Pen Paper Test
(Weightage 30 %, Due Date 03 -10 October, 2022)
In-Semester Evaluation 2 :
(Continuous Assessment - Weightage 10 %)
Activity 1: Tutorial Assignments
Activity 2: Paired Presentation and Peer Assessment on Electric Propulsion and Its applications
Activity 3: Model Making Assignment in Liquid Rocket Engine
End Semester Evaluation - Pen Paper Test
(Weightage 50 %, Due Date 12 -23 December, 2022)