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

  1. Explain and illustrate the working principle of various types of aerospace propulsion systems. (K2)

  2. Explain the properties that affect the choice of liquid propellant and their performance. (K2)

  3. Apply the principles of rocket propulsion to solve the numerical problems related to aerospace propulsion. (K3)

  4. Analyze the flow through various rocket nozzle configurations and comment on the losses. (K4)

  5. Carry out preliminary design calculations and determine the design parameters of a solid rocket motor. (K5)

  6. 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)