Spacecraft Propulsion 1

In the lecture "Raumfahrtantriebe 1", the fundamentals of rocket propulsion technology are conveyed using the example of commercial space transport systems. In addition to the basic concepts of orbital mechanics, typical characteristics of rocket engines are introduced and discussed. Liquid-propellant rocket engines constitute a major topic of the lectures. Fuel types, construction methods, the individual thrust chamber components, and turbopump units are explained separately. The special features of auxiliary and satellite engines are discussed separately. Also, the main features and characteristics of the groups of solid and hybrid propellants, ramjets, as well as electrical and nuclear rocket propulsion systems are examined. In addition to the fundamentals, special features of current engine developments are given, as well as insights into the industrial environment and the European organization of the rocket propulsion business. The lecture is complemented and deepened by exercises which the students can use in self-studying.

After taking part in the "Rocket Propulsion 1" course, the students can define important terms of the rocket technique and name important influencing variables. They can understand the complexity of the processes in rocket propulsion. It is possible for them to analyze real rocket engines using simplified replacement models about essential characteristics and to evaluate them using their performance characteristics.

Thermodynamics 1, Fluid Mechanics 1, Gas dynamics

In the course, the content of the lectures is given by oral and media presentation. In the summer semester, the lectures will be held in German and during the winter semester in English. Concepts and basic relationships are presented and deepened using real applications or computer examples. The presentation of the lectures, additional information, and exercises with sample solutions, as well as a comprehensive questionnaire for self-studying are provided by the TUM learning platform. A special exam questions period is held shortly before the examination date. Individual questions can be discussed directly after the lecture with the lecturers or in the assistant lecturer's office (by scheduling an appointment). A non-compulsory teaching excursion complements the module.

Oral exposition, media presentation, laptop PC with beamer, and handouts. In the exercises, important relations are repeated, and one of the exercises is pre-calculated. Further exercises with sample solutions are provided for self-study.

George P. Sutton, Oscar Biblarz: "Rocket Propulsion Elements"; 7th Ed., Wiley-Interscience, 2000, ISBN 0-471-32642-9

The learning success is verified using a written exam consisting of two parts of approximately same size equally weighted. The first part is a short questionnaire which checks the knowledge of the subject-specific basic concepts and essential principles. In the subsequent calculation part, the student is supposed to apply the mathematical relationships presented in the lectures to various problems in the area of liquid and solid propellant rocket propulsion. The written exam lasts 90 minutes: 45 minutes for the short questions and 45 minutes for the calculation part. No tools are allowed for the short questions section, while all tools are allowed for the calculation part. Each semester the written exam is offered in both German and English language.