MJ2246 Rocket Propulsion 6.0 credits
Although rocket propulsion is a technology based on a physic law discovered on the XVI century, It experienced a strong development in the late century. Today, rocket propulsion is of paramount importance is space sciences, telecommunication and military applications.
In the Rocket Propulsion course the student will gain an insight into the physics behind rocket technology, propulsion systems, orbital mechanics, performance characteristics of propellants among others subjects.
Choose semester and course offering
Choose semester and course offering to see information from the correct course syllabus and course offering.
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Fundamentals of rocket vehicles: static performance, vehicle acceleration, orbital mechanics, types of rockets. Components of a rocket: performance characteristics, nozzle design. Chemical rocket propellants: performance with chemical equilibrium, non-equilibrium effects, combustion chamber design, hybrid rockets. Rocket engine subsystems: wall cooling, injectors, propellant feed systems, controls.
Projects: calculation of rocket nozzle flow field and calculation of liquid rocket performance with equilibrium chemistry
Intended learning outcomes
To provide an understanding of rocket propulsion systems for both launch and orbital control missions.
Course disposition
50% selfstudy course with supportive lectures and seminar
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
MJ1112 Thermodynamics, 9 hp or corresponding knowledge
SG1220 Fluid mechanics, 6 hp or corresponding knowledge
MJ2429 Turbomachinery, 6 hp or corresponding knowledge
Recommended prerequisites
Basic knowledge in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics is necessary
Equipment
Literature
Hill, P. and Peterson, R. 1992."Mechanics and Thermodynamics or Propulsion".
Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Inc., USA. ISBN 0-201-14659-2.
George P. Sutton, Oscar Biblarz, 2001“Rocket Propulsion Elements”, 7th Edition John-Wiley & Sons, Ltd., ISBN: 0-471-32642-9 Compedu (www.compedu.net)
Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan (KTH) - Sweden Department of Energy Technology
Division of Heat and Power Technology
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- PRO1 - Project, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
- TEN1 - Examination, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
- ÖVN1 - Home Assignments, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Other requirements for final grade
PRO1 Project 1.5 hp
TEN1 Examination 3.0 hp
ÖVN1 Home Assignments 1.5
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Course web
Further information about the course can be found on the Course web at the link below. Information on the Course web will later be moved to this site.
Course web MJ2246