Course description
Provides you with an understanding of the principles, concepts and techniques of Guided Weapon propulsion.
Outcome / Qualification etc.
What you will learn
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
- Apply the underlying principles of thermodynamics and gas dynamics to thermomechanical jet propulsion for rockets and ramjet propulsion;
- Critically analyse and compare and evaluate the performance of GW rocket motor systems using the parameters that are governed by their operating features;
- Analyse, using thermodynamics and gas dynamics theory, the performance of a GW powerplant (rocket motor, gas turbine or ramjet);
- Design propulsion systems by calculating the necessary parameters of individual subsystem components to meet specified overall requirements.
Training Course Content
Core content
- Introduction: General features of missile propulsion systems and definitions/classifications.
- Thermodynamics: Definitions, thermodynamic properties, 1st and 2nd laws of thermodynamics.
- Gas Dynamics: Conservation laws, isentropic flow relationships, duct flows (convergent and convergent-divergent nozzles), Mach number; normal and oblique shock wave properties.
- Performance Parameters: Thrust, specific impulse, effective exhaust velocity, specific propellant consumption, specific fuel consumption, efficiency (overall, thermal and propulsive).
- Flight Mechanics: Range and velocity equations.
- Introduction to Air-Breathers: Operating principles and design features of gas turbines (turbojets and turbofans), pulsejets, ramjets and scramjets; missile applications.
- Gas Turbine Engines: jet propulsion principles; specific thrust and specific fuel consumption; efficiency (propulsive, thermal, overall) and thrust power; non[1]dimensional performance parameters; thermodynamic (Brayton) cycle analysis; turbojet and turbofan component design; gas turbine running line; worked design examples.
- Rockets: Description and features, history, military applications, criteria of performance (thrust, specific impulse, total impulse, thrust coefficient, characteristic velocity, internal ballistics (combustion), burn rate, self[1]regulation, sensitivity, grain shapes (radial and end-burners).
- Rocket Design: Mechanical design, rocket components (body, igniter, nozzle, inhibitors, insulators), thrust vector control methods.
- Introduction to Rocket Propellants: Introduction to Liquid propellants (cryogenic and hypergolics), solid propellants (double base and composite), modifiers and additives.
- Ramjets: Introduction and history, operating principles, component design, thermodynamic cycle, engine performance.
Course delivery details
Course structure
Classroom lectures and tutorials. Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)-directed study.
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Cranfield University
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MK43 0AL Cranfield
Cranfield University
Cranfield is a specialist postgraduate university that is a global leader for education and transformational research in technology and management. We have many world-class, large-scale facilities, including our own global research airport, which offers a unique environment for transformational education...
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