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ME30218: Aircraft propulsion

[Page last updated: 03 August 2022]

Academic Year: 2022/23
Owning Department/School: Department of Mechanical Engineering
Credits: 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Period:
Semester 1
Assessment Summary: EX 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Examination (EX 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: After taking this unit the student should be able to:
* Understand the fundamental differences between the performance characteristics of turbojet, turbofan and turboprop engines.
* Analyse thermodynamic cycles for turboprop, turboshaft, turbojet and turbofan engines.
* Understand principles and performance of compressor, turbine, combustor, intake and exhaust nozzle.
* Calculate performance of engines at design conditions. Understand basic turbomachinery design including the required cooling systems.

Aims: To provide knowledge of the development, performance and design of gas-turbine aeroengines.
To apply the fundamentals of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics to the performance and design of aircraft and aeroengines.
To introduce the basic mechanics of turbomachinery.

Skills: Problem solving; numeracy; working independently.

Content: Birth of jet engine; engine classification; operational envelope; thrusts and efficiencies; thermodynamic cycles (turboshaft, turbojet, turbofan); combustors; intakes (subsonic and supersonic), afterburners and nozzles; engine performance; turbine cooling. Topics for self study that could be examined.

Programme availability:

ME30218 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Mechanical Engineering
  • UEME-AFB26 : BEng(Hons) Aerospace Engineering (Year 3)
  • UEME-AKB26 : BEng(Hons) Aerospace Engineering with Year long work placement (Year 4)
  • UEME-AFM04 : MEng(Hons) Aerospace Engineering (Year 3)
  • UEME-AKM04 : MEng(Hons) Aerospace Engineering with Year long work placement (Year 4)

ME30218 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Mechanical Engineering
  • UEME-AFM16 : MEng(Hons) Mechanical Engineering (Year 4)
  • UEME-AKM16 : MEng(Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Year long work placement (Year 5)
  • UEME-AFM38 : MEng(Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing and Management (Year 4)
  • UEME-AKM38 : MEng(Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing and Management with Year long work placement (Year 5)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2022/23 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2023/24 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2022/23.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.