MAE 4510

Propulsion of Aircraft and Rockets

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

Introduction to air and rocket propulsion. Emphasis on air-breathing gas-turbines. Chemical rocket propulsion. Brief discussion of of ramjets and of propellers. Application of thermodynamic and fluid-mechanical principles to analysis of performance and design, including fuel efficiency and environmental impacts.

Prerequisites ENGRD 2210 or MAE 2210; MAE 3230; or equivalents.

Enrollment Information Recommended prerequisites: MAE 3050.

Last 4 Terms Offered 2026SP, 2025SP, 2024SP, 2023SP

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to describe and interpret the types, characteristics, and performance measures of combustion engines used in propulsion.
• Students will be able to apply thermodynamic and fluid mechanical principles to quantitatively describe engine operation.
• Students will be able to predict how their performance depends on design parameters and operating conditions.

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