Introduction to Jet & Rocket Propulsion

(Subject Code : 10ME662)

Jet & Rocket Propulsion

(Introduction)

(Subject Code: 10ME662)

Department of Mechanical Engineering R.V.College of Engineering Bangalore 560059

Jet & Rocket Propulsion, Lesson Plan

Sub Code Hrs/Week : : 10ME662 3 CIE Marks Exam Hours : : 100 3 hrs

Total Hrs.
Credits

:
:

33
03 Description

SEE Marks

100

Ch. No.

Hours Unit-1

No. of questions to be answered

1 2

Basic Principles of Air-Breathing Propulsion Turbomachinery in Air-Breathing Propulsion Unit-2

4 4 1 out of 2

3 4

Engine Characteristics Air-Breathing Engine Efficiencies Unit-3

3 4 1 out of 2

5 6

Basic Principles of Rocket Propulsion Nozzle Theory & Thermodynamic Relations

3 3 1 out of 2

Unit-4
7 8 Solid Propellant Rockets Liquid Propellant Rockets Unit-5 9 Advanced Propulsion Systems 3 1 out of 2 3 3 1 out of 2

10

Criteria for Selection of Rocket Propulsion Systems

What is propulsion?
Propulsion means to push forward or drive an object forward. A Propulsion System is a machine that produces thrust to push or move an object forward.

All propulsion is based upon 400 year old physics as defined by Isaac Newton: Every object in a state of uniform motion tends to remain in that state unless an external force is applied to it. The relationship between an objects mass m, its acceleration a and the applied force F is given by F = ma. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Newtons 2nd Law

Basic physics demands that every vehicle that requires motion must have a force to start, maintain or change that motion and be governed by the equation F = ma. If the vehicle has to move fast, then we need to know how the vehicle accelerates. So we rearrange this equation to a = (F/m).

For simplistic discussion, let us assume m as the weight of the vehicle. if more acceleration and hence higher speed is to be achieved, we need a larger force F or a lighter weight m or a combination of both.

Newtons 3rd Law

According to the 3rd law, every action has an equal and opposite reaction, or, a force in one direction produces an equal force in the opposite direction. Therefore, to move a vehicle in a given direction, we must produce a force in the opposite direction. For a propeller aircraft, the propeller moves enough air backwards producing a force that moves the aircraft forward. For a jet aircraft, the engine moves air and combustion products backwards producing the force to move the aircraft forward.

For a rocket, propellants are burned in the combustion chamber and accelerated through a nozzle producing a force to propel the rocket in the desired opposite direction.

Classification of jet propulsion

Jet Propulsion
Does not use atmospheric air to support combustion

Uses atmospheric air to support combustion

Air-breathing
Reciprocating

Non Air-breathing Solid rockets Liquid rockets Hybrid rockets Nuclear rockets Electric rockets

Turboshaft Turboprop
Turbojet Turbofan Ramjet

Air-breathing propulsion
Operating principle: Collect mass from the surroundings and set it in motion backwards, using the reaction force to propel a vehicle. Various steps are:
Draw in air Compress it

Add fuel and burn (convert chemical to thermal energy)

Expand through a turbine to drive the compressor (extract work) Then either

Expand in a nozzle to convert thermal energy to kinetic energy and momentum (turbojet), or
Expand in a second turbine (extract work), use this to drive a shaft for a fan (turbofan), or a propeller (turboprop). The fan or propeller imparts kinetic energy and momentum to the air.

Examples of air-breathing propulsion

Turboprop

Turbojet

Turbofan

Animation of Turbofan engine

Non air-breathing propulsion (Rocket Propulsion)

Operating principle: Take mass stored in a vehicle and expel it backwards, using the reaction force to propel the vehicle. Various steps are:
Store propellant (chemical energy) Burn propellant (convert chemical to thermal energy)

Expand through nozzle (convert thermal energy to kinetic energy and momentum)