Advanced Rocket Propulsion

Course Description

The major objective of the course is to introduce the fundamental concepts involved in getting into, around, and out of space, the means available to accomplish such tasks, and to familiarize the students with the conceptual level of rocket design. The course addresses both space propulsion and space flight. The students will be familiarized with rocket fundamentals, such as (but certainly not limited to) the rocket equation and its implications, thrust, exhaust velocity, and specific impulse. The basic equations and constants of motion governing orbital mechanics, orbits and orbital transfers are reviewed to supplement material from the orbital mechanics class. The main content of the course will concentrate on the different types of propulsion systems, their basic operation, performance, and applicability. These include liquid rocket engines, hybrid rocket motors, solid rocket motors, nuclear propulsion and finally different flavors of electric propulsion systems. We will conclude with some advanced propulsion concepts and the basic mechanics and requirements of interstellar flight. Graduate students are required to demonstrate the ability to analyze and optimize rocket propulsion systems through extended homework assignments. Graduate students will be expected to do independent reading and research outside of class in order to complete these assignments.

Code

AME 526

Credits

3

Subject

Aerospace & Mechanical Engr