1. Handbook
  2. Subjects
  3. Aerospace Propulsion

Aerospace Propulsion (MCEN90047)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

You’re viewing the 2019 Handbook:
Or view archived Handbooks
You’re currently viewing the 2019 version of this subject

Overview

Availability
Semester 2
FeesLook up fees

This subject will cover the aerodynamics and thermodynamics of aircraft gas turbines and rockets and provide the tools to design and evaluate the performance of jet engines.

Topics include:

  • Understanding the requirements and background of jet engines, in particular how the requirements translate to the design of an engine.
  • An overview of the key aerodynamical aspects of aircraft relevant to the propulsion system and how jet engines create thrust.
  • Engine performance parameters. These are discussed in the context of thermal, cycle and propulsive efficiencies.
  • Principles and layouts of jet engines. Different classes of engines will be looked at, such as turbojets, turbofans, and bypass ratios, turbine inlet temperature will be discussed.
  • Fundamentals of compressible flow relevant to jet engines will be discussed, including stagnation quantities and choked nozzles.
  • Dimensional analysis and non-dimensional variables of engines.
  • How to configure compressors and turbines, with consideration of blade profiles, flow coefficient, cooling and losses.
  • Rocket propulsion: what are the performance parameters and what are the benefits of staging?

Intended learning outcomes

Having completed this subject it is expected that the student be able to:

  • Apply fundamental concepts to perform preliminary design and assessment of performance for an aircraft gas turbine.
  • Recognise the challenges associated with gas turbine and rocket technology and appreciate the broad applicability of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics within mechanical and aerospace engineering.
  • Identify the key parameters affecting engine performance.
  • Design engine components using preliminary design software

Generic skills

On completion of this subject, students should have developed the following skills -

 

  • The ability to undertake problem identification, formulation, and solution.
  • The ability to utilise a systems approach to complex problems and to design and operational performance.
  • The ability to undertake problem identification, formulation, and solution.
  • The ability to apply knowledge of science and engineering fundamentals.

Last updated: 3 November 2022