The course is a continuation of MJ2523 Aircraft Propulsion, General Course and therefore starts at an advanced level. As the nucleus of contemporary aircraft engines consists of gas turbines, considerable focus is placed on understanding of complex aerodynamics in thermal turbomachines, and how engine components are designed to meet the requirements that are set on efficiency, reliability and safety.
The course starts with an introduction to calculus in one variable of flow inside engine, which is later widened to aspects of 2D and 3D analysis. Important aspects such as cooling in combustion turbines, mechanical effects, material and the properties of the system are highlighted in the course and introduced in relevant contexts. Aero-mechanical interplay between the flow and sub-components in aircraft engines and the aero-elastic phenomena that arise are studied thoroughly in the course.
Special focus is placed on discussion of aerodynamic design of vanes for turbofan engines, as these produce the majority of thrust in propulsion of passenger aircraft.
The needs of today and tomorrow for aircraft engines, and future trends and research approaches are discussed, in particular considering the defined targets towards fossil free air transportation. The different propulsion principles are analysed in view of their environmental impact, both from a noise and from an emission perspective.
Critical review of scientific articles will be carried out in the course to trigger discussions in an interdisciplinary environment. Calculation exercises will be performed to deepen the understanding of treated phenomena.