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Unit of study_
AERO3261: Propulsion
2025 unit information
This unit of study teaches the students the techniques used to propel aircraft. The students will learn to analyse various propulsion systems in use- propellers, gas turbines, etc. The topics covered include: Propulsion unit requirements for subsonic and supersonic flight; thrust components, efficiencies, additive drag of intakes; piston engine components and operation; propeller theory; operation, components and cycle analysis of gas turbine engines; turbojets; turbofans; turboprops; ramjets. Components: compressor, fan, burner, turbine, nozzle. Efficiency of components: Off-design considerations. Future directions: minimisation of noise and pollution; scram-jets; hybrid engines.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Engineering
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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AMME2000 and [AMME2200 or (AMME2261 and AMME2262)] |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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Good knowledge of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. write an engineering report on an experimental test
- LO2. discuss and present engine performance and design data in a written report
- LO3. explain engine performance and different engine types in final exam.
- LO4. design and select a gas turbine engine type for a given application
- LO5. select appropriate engine cycles and propellers for a given aircraft and flight conditions
- LO6. carry out a cycle analysis of a gas turbine engine, including ramjet and turbo-fan engines
- LO7. understand the working of various components of gas turbines and how their interaction results in the overall engine performance
- LO8. identify relevant data to estimate performance of existing aircraft engines
- LO9. solve systems of non-linear equations governing propeller performance
- LO10. solve thermodynamic cycle calculations for both design point and off-design calculations.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2025
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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