Advanced Propulsion

Course Objectives

To explore Ramjet, Scram jets and supersonic combustion working principles.
To impart practical knowledge of solid and liquid propellants.
To determine practically thrust developed by rocket propellants.

Learning Outcomes

The operating principle of ramjet, combustion and its performance.
The solid rocket operating principles and components of solid rocket motor.
In detail about liquid propellant rockets and the various types of propellants used with their burning rates.
About electric, ion and nuclear rockets. The basics of solar sails and its operating principle.
Apply the concept of sacramjet design of inlets and its hypersonic applications

Course Syllabus

Module I: RAMJET PROPULSION (4hrs)

Operating principle, Sub critical, critical and supercritical operation, Combustion in ramjet engine, Ramjet performance., Sample ramjet design calculations

Practice: Wall pressure measurements of a subsonic diffusers and ramjet ducts

Module II: SCRAMJET PROPULSION (4hrs)

Introduction to scramjet, operating principle, Combustion in scramjet engine, Pulse jet, difference between Ramjet and scramjet

Practice: Velocity profiles of wall jets.

Module III: SUPERSONIC COMBUSTION (4hrs)

Fundamentals of hypersonic air breathing vehicles, Preliminary concepts in engine airframe

integration, Various types of supersonic combustors, Requirements for supersonic combustors, Performance estimation of supersonic combustors.

Practice: Flame stabilization studies using conical and hemispherical flame holders

Module IV: ROCKET PROPULSION (6hrs)

Operating principle, specific impulse of a rocket, internal ballistics, performance characteristics of rockets, simple rocket design problems, types of igniters, Rocket nozzle classification, preliminary concepts in nozzle, less propulsion, air augmented rockets, pulse rocket motors, static testing of rockets & instrumentation, safety considerations

Practice: Wall Pressure measurements of supersonic nozzle

Module V: SOLID PROPELLANT ROCKETS (4hrs)

Solid propellant rockets, Selection criteria of solid propellants, hazards, Important hardware

components of solid rockets, Propellant grain design considerations, combustion of solid

propellants, Numerical problems.

Practice: Preparation of solid propellant

Module VI: LIQUID PROPELLANT ROCKETS (4hrs)

Liquid propellant rockets, Selection of liquid propellants, Thrust control in liquid rockets, Cooling in liquid rockets, Limitations of hybrid rockets, Relative advantages of liquid rockets over solid rockets, Numerical Problems.

Practice: Determination of Thrust and heat of combustion of aviation fuel.

Module VII: ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS (4hrs)

Electric rocket propulsion: Electrostatic , Electro thermal ,Electro magnetic thruster, Ion propulsion techniques, Nuclear rocket propulsion: Types , applications, Solar propulsion system, solar sail.

Text Books:

Sutton, G.P., "Rocket Propulsion Elements", John Wiley & Sons Inc., New York, 5th Edition, 1993.
Hill, P.G. & Peterson, C.R. "Mechanics & Thermodynamics of Propulsion" Addison ‐ Wesley Longman INC, 1999.

Reference Books:

Gorden, C.V., "Aero thermodynamics of Gas Turbine and Rocket Propulsion", AIAA Education Series, New York, 1989.
Mathur, M., and Sharma, R.P., "Gas Turbines and Jet and Rocket Propulsion", Standard Publishers, New Delhi, 1988. Basics of scramjet engine and integral ram engine.