AAE 4802: Spacecraft Propulsion

3 Credit Hours

Prerequisite: ENGR 3801
Introduction to the basic principles of liquid and solid propulsion systems. Flight performance parameters are presented for single and multi-stage vehicles. The thermochemistry of the combustion process will also be discussed. Performance enhancements of nuclear rockets and electric propulsion will be covered

Course Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

Examine mission requirements, including launch, on-orbit, and deep-space missions, and recommend potential classes of propulsion systems that could complete the mission.
Explain common propulsion terms like specific impulse, total impulse, delta-v, orbital and escape velocity, engine, motor, throat, area ratio, mixture ratio, turbopump, injector, gas generator, grain, binder, frozen-flow, equilibrium flow, monopropellant, particle-bed reactor, electrothermal, electromagnetic and electrostatic thrusters.
Calculate combustion chemistry and fluid mechanics through a nozzle to include on-design and over and under expansion of nozzle flow.
Apply mass and volume trends to size propulsion systems and subcomponents to meet flight vehicle envelopes.
Analyze the main components of various propulsion systems and describe potential limitations for such components and systems.
Demonstrate an appreciation for the wide variety of propulsion options available and the breadth of technical knowledge used in each system.