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151-0204-00L 4 Credits MSC D-ITET , D-MAVT , D-ERDW , D-PHYS

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Aerospace Propulsion

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Reza S. Abhari, Dr. Vahid Iranidokht

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:30:28

Abstract

An introduction of working principals and design of airbreathing engines as well as rocket propulsion are presented. Key elements of the propulsion system as well as the design choices for the engineering of various components are examined.

Objective

Introduction of working principals and design of aircraft engines and the related background in aero- and thermodynamics. Engineering aspects of the component designs are examined.

Content

This course focuses on the fundamental concepts as well as the applied technologies for aerospace application, with a primary focus related to aviation. The systematic evolution of the aircraft propulsion engines, from turbojet to the modern high bypass ratio turbofan, including the operational limitations, are examined. Following the system analysis, the aero/thermo design of each component, including the inlet, fan, compressor, combustors, turbines and exhaust nozzles are presented. The mechanical and material limitations, as well as design choices related to manufacturing and operability of engines are also presented. The environmental aspects of propulsion (noise and emissions) are also presented. In the last part of the course, a basic introduction to the fundamentals of space propulsion is also presented.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes will be distributed. There will be NO recording of the lectures, nor the exercise sessions. Physical attendance in this course is advised.

Literature

Aircraft Engines and Gas Turbines, second edition By Jack L. Kerrebrock

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 120 minutes
Aids: None

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Aerospace Propulsion	Tue 12:15-14:00 (ML F 39)	2 h weekly
exercise	Aerospace Propulsion	Tue 17:15-18:00 (ML F 39)	1 h weekly

Offered In

Mechanical Engineering Master
- Core Courses
Space Systems Master
- Deep Track Courses (At least 20 credits must be completed within the deep track courses. Surplus credit points can be counted towards the electives.)
  - Aerospace Engineering
    - Deep Track Aerospace Engineering (These courses can be credited either as a specialization subject or as an elective subject.)