The module consists of two main parts. Part 1 consists of lectures and design challenge, whilst Part 2 consists of the exercise accompanying the design challenge. The purpose of the module is to give students the opportunity to deep dive into the design of rocket engines and to actively engage in the design process. The students will be led through the main trade-offs and the main physical phenomena that have to be considered in the design process. The sizing of main subsystems of a rocket propulsion system (liquid, solid, and nuclear) is tackled and an overview of main subsystems of space transportation systems is provided.

Students will gain mastery of the following: dv analysis of launchers and requirements set to rocket engines – mission fit; main engine subsystems; downflow of engine system requirements to engine subsystems; functioning and basics of main subsystems; sizing and design of main subsystems; and main tools used.

As part of the design challenge, students will be working in groups to design a rocket engine which is to satisfy mission requirements that will be provided to them as a goal.

They will be required to organise between themselves in each group to tackle all the needed specific design tasks while ensuring that the overall system is complete and functional.

The lectures will comprise the following:

(a) Presentation of overall module concept, and design challenge including expectations

(b) Basics of systems engineering

(c) Rocket engines – recall of the main elements of Rocket Propulsion I lecture  

(d) Main engine subsystems and their sizing and design - including the feed system, thrust chamber assembly, ignition system, and thrust-vector-control

(e) Main tool used for design and analysis as well as their advantages and limitations