Topic:Propulsion

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Contents 1 Introduction 2 Scope 3 Coursework 4 Standard Text Books

[edit] Introduction

The term 'propel' means to 'cause motion' or to make an object to move. In that very sense, propulsion can in very simple words be defined as the science which deals with the study of things which cause objects to move.

Broadly speaking the realms of propulsion extend from the human limbs to sophiscated power plants which are being used to propel aircraft, spacecraft, missiles and rockets.Typically, in aerospace engineering, the study of propulsion is in relation to the power plants which are used in aircraft.

[edit] Scope

In the earlier days of aviation, the main power plant of the aircraft was a reciprocating engine which drove a propeller shaft. However, nowadays the basic power plants which are typically used in aircraft are gas turbines. These include turbojets, turbofans, turboprops . Recently, ramjets and scramjets, pulse jets are also being increasingly used. Besides, thrusters are used in rockets, missiles and spacecrafts.

Recent research has lead to the conception of unconventional modes of propulsion like nuclear, ion , plasma-based, solar sails.

[edit] Coursework

In relation to aerospace engineering the study of propulsion is usually undertaken in the following listed avenues:

1. The basics of Newtonian mechanics which are essential for the understanding of any objects which move.
2. A historical overview of the various propulsion systems which were used in various times and their beginnings and consequent applications.
3. The basic theory of gas turbines, which usually describes the physics behind the propulsion system.
4. A general introduction to the components of gas turbines, which include the compressor, combustor, turbines.
5. A detailed study on the basic cycles which are the basics of the gas turbine namely the Brayton cycle and some other supplemantary cycles like the Rankine cycle. This portion also contains material on intercooling and reheat processes. A study of the effeciency of various cycles and ways to enhance the effeciency are studied.
6. A detailed study on compressors , the physics , types, performance characteristics, effeciencies, steady - state relations , and design
7. A detailed study on turbines.
8. A detailed study of the combustor.
9. A study of thrust augmentation methods.
10. Performance calculation of turbojets, turbofans , and turboprops.
11. A study of rocket propulsion, unconventional methods of propulsion,specific impulse calculation for various thrusters.

[edit] Standard Text Books

1. "Gas Turbine Technology" - HIH Saravanmuttoo, Cohen & Rogers
2. "Gas Turbine Engineering Handbook" - P Boyce
3. "Elements of Aircraft Propulsion" - Jack D Mattingly
4. "Gas Turbine Performance" - Philip Walsh and Paul Fletcher
5. "Mechanics and Thermodynamics of Propulsion " - Philip G. Hill and C.R.Peterson
6. "Rocket Propulsion Elements" - George P. Sutton and Oscar Biblarz