Designed to teach the theory, analysis and design of modern rocket and spacecraft propulsion systems. Starting from the basics of rocket propulsion and orbital mechanics, thermodynamics of rocket propulsion and nozzle flow theory will be discussed followed by in-depth study of cold gas, monopropellant and bipropellant liquid rockets, solid and hybrid rockets and electric propulsion. Finally, nuclear rockets, and if time permits, other exotic propulsion technologies will be dealt with. We will also arrange a visit to Lockheed Martin sometime during the semester.

1. Introduction - History, Classification - Chemical, Electric, Nuclear. Examples 2. Principles of Jet and Rocket Propulsion, Ideal Rocket Equation, Single and Multi-Stage Rockets. 3. Basics of Orbital Mechanics, Space Flight, Orbit Perturbations, Orbit Maneuvers 4. Thermodynamics of Rocket Propulsion, Nozzle Theory, Over and Under-expanded Nozzles. Cold Gas Rockets 5. Heat Transfer, Regenerative and Radiative Cooling 6. Solid Propellant Rocket Motors, Burning Rate, Performance Analysis and Design. Examples. 7. Liquid Propellant Rockets - Monopropellant and Bipropellant. Combustion Thermodynamics. Pressure-fed and Pump-fed Systems. Analysis and Design. Examples. 8. Electric Propulsion Systems, Electrothermal, Electrostatic and Electromagnetic. Analysis and Design. Emerging and Exotic Systems. 9. Hybrid Rockets, Analysis. 10. Nuclear Propulsion, Principles and Analysis

Undergraduate Course on Propulsion or Instructor's consent.

We will make use of WebCT, so that I may upload my lecture notes for you to download if you like, post homeworks, homework solutions and grades, and make the whole process a bit more efficient than the hard copy-route. We will however, be selective in making use of the features available on WebCT. For example, we will use the e-mail and discussion board features, but not real-time chat sessions.