AS4101 Space Propulsion Systems Syllabus:
AS4101 Space Propulsion Systems Syllabus – Anna University PG Syllabus Regulation 2021
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
This course will enable students
1. To impart knowledge on the basic concepts of space propulsion.
2. To learn about the physics of ionized gases.
3. To get familiarize with the types of nuclear rockets and the basic concepts of nuclear propulsion systems.
4. To study about the radioisotope propulsion.
5. To realise the importance of advanced space propulsion concepts.
UNIT I INTRODUCTION TO SPACE PROPULSIONSYSTEMS
Historical outline, Scramjet Propulsion-Scramjet Inlets; Scramjet Performance, Chemical rocket Propulsion-Tripropellants; Metalized Propellants; Free Radical Propulsion, Electric Propulsion, Micropropulsion- Micropropulsion Requirements, MEMS and MEMS- Hybrid Propulsion Systems.
UNIT II BASIC CONCEPTS OF IONIZED GASES
Electromagnetic theory: electric charges and fields, currents, and magnetic fields, and applications to ionized gases. Atomic structure of gases – Ionization processes – Particle collisions in an ionized gas – Electrical conductivity of an ionized gas – Kinetic Theory, Introduction to plasma physics- Electrode phenomena.
UNIT III NUCLEAR ROCKET PROPULSION
Nuclear Rocket Engine Design and Performance, Types of Nuclear Rockets, Overall Engine Design, Nuclear Rocket Performance, Component Design, Nuclear Rocket Reactors, General Design Considerations, Reactor Core Materials, Thermal Design, Mechanical Design, Nuclear Design, Shielding, Nuclear Rocket Nozzles, General Design Considerations, Heat-Transfer Analysis, Over-all Problem, Hot-Gas Boundary, Cold-Gas Boundary.
UNIT IV RADIOISOTOPE PROPULSION
Alternative Approaches, Direct Recoil Method, Thermal Heating Method, Basic Thruster Configurations, Propulsion System and Upper Stage, Relative Mission Capabilities, Primary Propulsion, Auxiliary Propulsion, Thruster Technology, Design Criteria, Performance, Safety, Heat Source Development, Radioisotope Fuel, Capsule Technology, General Considerations, Thermal Design, Fabrication and Non-Destructive Testing Techniques, Pressure Containment, Heat Source Simulation, Oxidation and Corrosion of Encapsulating Materials, Nozzle Performance.
UNIT V ADVANCED SPACE PROPULSION CONCEPTS
Introduction, General Consideration for Propulsion in Space, Power Supply, Propellant Storage and Handling Facilities, Electrostatic and Electromagnetic Thrusters, Advanced Electric Propulsion Systems for Space Vehicles, Sputtering, A Thrust Generation Mechanism, Sputtering Phenomena, Possible Performance of Sputtering Thrusters, Energy Efficiency of the Sputtering Process, Analyses of an Elementary Mission with Different Electric Thrusters, General Consideration, Performance Formula for Electric Thrusters, Optimization with Electric Thrusters
TOTAL: 60 PERIODS
COURSE OUTCOMES:
At the end of this course, students will be able to
CO1: Have knowledge on the basics and classification of space propulsion.
CO2: Comprehend the physics of ionized gases, their theories and particle collisions.
CO3: Demonstrate the working, types and performance of nuclear rockets with their design considerations.
CO4: Learn the basics of radioisotope propulsion with their performance studies.
CO5: Have knowledge on advanced methods of space propulsion systems with new thrust generation mechanisms.
REFERENCES:
1. Czysz, Paul A., Bruno, Claudio, Chudoba, Bernd “Future Spacecraft Propulsion Systems and Integration”, Springer, Praxis Publishing Ltd, 2018.
2. George W. Sutton, “Engineering Magneto hydrodynamics”, Dover Publications Inc., New York, 2006.
3. George P. Sutton & Oscar Biblarz, “Rocket Propulsion Elements, John Wiley & Sons Inc., NewYork, 9th Edition, 2016.
4. Martin Tajmar, “Advanced Space Propulsion Systems” Springer Verlag GmbH, 2003.
5. Robert G. Jahn, “Physics of Electric Propulsion”, McGraw-Hill Series, New York, 1968.
6. William J. Emrich, “Principles of Nuclear Rocket Propulsion” Elsevier Science, 2016.