1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the principles behind the rocket and solid propellants, showing an understanding of the uncertainties and limits of the design process. (AHEP 4: B1, B2)
2. Communicate detailed knowledge of the differences between subsonic and supersonic mechanisms of lift and drag and discuss how this influences aerofoil and aircraft design. (AHEP 4: B1, B3)
3. Critically investigate current advances in aviation technology. (AHEP 4: B4)
4. Analyse aviation systems and the impact design philosophies have on aviation safety. (AHEP 4: B4)

One coursework assignment weighted at 100%, assessing learning outcomes 1-4. A series of questions to be answered covering specific topics covered in the module, requiring an in-depth investigation and answers (maximum 4000 words). Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes B1, B2, B3, B4

Aviation is a rapidly changing sector of industry, this module seeks to cover advanced and future flight technologies, investigating rocket propulsion, the contribution of subsonic, transonic and supersonic flight to the design of aircraft. It also investigates the human-machine interface and how design processes and philosophies can impact safety.

The areas covered include in-depth study of the operation of an ideal rocket, thrust equations, characteristic nozzle velocity, effective exhaust velocity, Characteristics of a solid propellant, particularly composite propellants and the effect of light metal addition. Specific impulse and calculation from Thrust vs Time graphs. Estimation of charge mass dependent on grain geometry and burning regime. Vieille’s Law. Methods of casing construction, calculation of casing dimensions and mass. Nozzle area ratios, nozzle construction and throat protection. Contribution of additional elements such as igniters, case bonding, flanges, inhibitors, advanced mechanisms of subsonic lift and drag, appreciation of transonic and supersonic flight and mechanisms of supersonic lift and drag including different types of shock wave, the study of the importance of engine inlet shock wave position control, reheat and con-di exhaust nozzles, analysis of cockpit man-machine interface and how design philosophies impact system design and aviation safety.

Aviation is a rapidly changing sector of industry, this module seeks to cover advanced and future flight technologies, investigating rocket propulsion, the contribution of subsonic, transonic and supersonic flight to the design of aircraft. It also investigates the human-machine interface and how design processes and philosophies can impact safety.

Students will have participated in an award induction workshop where they will learn how to use the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) employed for the study of this module. Subsequently, students will work through the module material provided on the VLE at a pace suggested within the VLE for the module. The material will include activities that allow students to assimilate the concepts and skills required by the module. Students will be encouraged to discuss relevant aspects via vehicles such as discussion forums hosted within the VLE. The forums will allow discussion with a student's peer group as well as the module tutor. Live tutorials will provide additional support in key areas.

Yang, V, Brill, T B, Ren, W-Z and Zarchan, P (2000). Solid Propellant Chemistry, Combustion and Motor Internal Ballistics. AIAA.
Barnard, R H and Philpott, D R (2010). Aircraft Flight. PrenticeHall.
Robson, D (2008). Aerodynamics, Engines and Systems. Crowood Press
Anderson, J D (2006). Fundamentals of Aerodynamics. McGraw Hill.
Anderson, J D (2015). Introduction to Flight. McGraw Hill.
Filippone, A (2012). Advanced Aircraft Flight Performance. Cambridge University Press.
Padfield, G D (2018). Helicopter Flight Dynamics. Wiley
Cook, M V (2011). Flight Dynamics Principles. Butterworth-Heinemann
Mattingly, J D (2006). Elements of Propulsion: Gas Turbines and Rockets. AIAA
Chiaverini, M J and Kuo, K K-Y (2000) Fundamentals of Hybrid Rocket Combustion and Propulsion. AIAA
Mishra, D P (2017) Fundamentals of Rocket Propulsion. CRC Press
Sutton, G P and Biblarz, O (2017) Rocket Propulsion Elements. Wiley
Torenbeek, E (2020). Essentials of Supersonic Commercial Aircraft Conceptual Design. Wiley

Blackboard, PCs, Standard office software