UCL - Aircraft propulstion systems.

[MECA2550]

[30h + 15h] 4 credits

This course is taught in the 1st semester.

Teacher(s): Philippe Chatelain

Language: French

Level: Second

Aims
Main themes
Content and teaching methods

Aims

Aims to provide an analytical description of systems used in aircraft propulsion, to model their behaviour and to introduce students to performance evaluation and component dimensioning.

Main themes

- Basic principles of aircraft propulsion, energy approach, classification and area of application of various propulsion systems
- Implementation of propeller propulsion in an open jet, single and multi-flow turboreactor propulsion and statoreactor propulsion
- Issues linked to aircraft fuels ; combustion techniques and environmental issues.

Content and teaching methods

The course covers the following topics :
- Dynamics and energetics of propulsion systems
- Classification and areas of application of thrusters

Functional analysis of propulsion techniques :
- Propeller in an open jet: aeraulic properties, limitations
- Single- and multi- flow turbo reactors: organic and energy analysis of intake systems for sub- and supersonic flight
- Ejection systems: nozzles and postcombustion
- High speed propulsion and statoreactors

Use of fuels :
- Combustion properties and combustion mode analysis
- Combustion chamber technology and emission control

The course is complemented by demonstrations in scale models in a low-speed wind tunnel. Personal work takes the form of a study of performance modeling. Written reports on the studies form the basis for assessment.