School/Faculty/Institute Faculty of Engineering
Course Code ME 482
Course Title in English Introduction to Rocket Propulsion
Course Title in Turkish Roket İtkisine Giriş
Language of Instruction EN
Type of Course Flipped Classroom
Level of Course Select
Semester Fall
Contact Hours per Week
Lecture: 3 Recitation: Lab: Other:
Estimated Student Workload 148 hours per semester
Number of Credits 6 ECTS
Grading Mode Standard Letter Grade
Pre-requisites THER 204 - Thermodynamics
Expected Prior Knowledge THER 204 Knowledge of basic thermodynamics
Co-requisites None
Registration Restrictions Only undergraduate students
Overall Educational Objective To acquire an introductory level theoretical background of both chemical and electric propulsion systems and the design aspects of chemical propulsion systems, and apply theoretical background to design a practical rocket system.
Course Description This course provides a comprehensive introduction to rocket propulsion systems, and aims to provide research, development and testing methods of rocket motors. Theoretical background of both chemical and electric propulsion systems is introduced. Design aspects of chemical propulsion systems; solid, liquid and hybrid propulsion systems are presented in detail. This course also aims to introduce low-cost launch vehicle projects in the world while evaluating the cost of space missions. Economical and technical aspects of “Accessing Moon and Mars” is also evaluated. In addition, the challenges of propulsion system design will be introduced to students in theory through lectures and also in practice through a course project (Moon or Mars mission design) that involves the design of a rocket system for a realistic mission.
Course Description in Turkish Bu ders, roket itki sistemlerini kapsamlı bir şekilde tanıtır. Ders, roket motorlarının araştırma, geliştirme ve test yöntemlerini açıklamayı amaçlamaktadır. Hem kimyasal hem de elektrikli itki sistemlerinin teorisi açıklanmıştır. Kimyasal itki sistemlerinin tasarımları; katı, sıvı ve hibrit itki sistemleri ayrıntılı olarak sunulmuştur. Bu ders aynı zamanda dünyadaki düşük maliyetli fırlatma aracı projelerini tanıtmayı ve uzay görevlerinin maliyetini değerlendirmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Bu derste Ay ve Mars'a Erişim'in ekonomik ve teknik yönleri de değerlendirilir. Ek olarak, itki sistemi tasarımının zorlukları öğrencilere teorik olarak dersler yoluyla ve ayrıca pratikte, gerçekçi bir görev için bir roket sisteminin tasarımını içeren ders projesi (Ay veya Mars görev tasarımı) aracılığıyla tanıtılacaktır.

Course Learning Outcomes and Competences

Upon successful completion of the course, the learner is expected to be able to:
1) solve compressible flow problems related to propulsion systems;
2) calculate thrust and performance of rocket motors;
3) solve problems in thermochemistry, especially those related to fuel oxidizer combustion;
4) classify solid, liquid and hybrid propulsion systems;
5) design lab scale rocket test facility by using real components such as valves, feeding system and fittings;
6) solve basic problems related to orbital mechanics;
7) show awareness of cost of global space missions;
8) show ability to function effectively on a team;
9) write essays and project reports on rocket systems and present their results with a range of audiences.
Program Learning Outcomes/Course Learning Outcomes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1) Thorough knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
2) Understanding of and ability to apply essential research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and data interpretation.
3) Competence to use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry and a scientific approach to solving problems related to behavior and mental processes.
4) Understanding and ability to apply psychological principles, skills and values in personal, social, and organizational contexts.
5) Ability to weigh evidence, to tolerate ambiguity, and to reflect other values that underpin psychology as a discipline.
6) Internalization and dissemination of professional ethical standards.
7) Demonstration of competence in information technologies, and the ability to use computer and other technologies for purposes related to the pursuit of knowledge in psychology and the broader social sciences.
8) Skills to communicate the knowledge of psychological science effectively, in a variety of formats, in both Turkish and in English (in English, at least CEFR B2 level).
9) Recognition, understanding, and respect for the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.
10) Recognition for the need for, and the skills to pursue, lifelong learning, inquiry, and self-improvement.
11) Ability to formulate critical hypotheses based on psychological theory and literature, and design studies to test those hypotheses.
12) Ability to acquire knowledge independently, and to plan one’s own learning.
13) Demonstration of advanced competence in the clarity and composition of written work and presentations.

Relation to Program Outcomes and Competences

N None S Supportive H Highly Related
     
Program Outcomes and Competences Level Assessed by
1) Thorough knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology. N
2) Understanding of and ability to apply essential research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and data interpretation. N
3) Competence to use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry and a scientific approach to solving problems related to behavior and mental processes. H Exam,HW,Participation
4) Understanding and ability to apply psychological principles, skills and values in personal, social, and organizational contexts. N
5) Ability to weigh evidence, to tolerate ambiguity, and to reflect other values that underpin psychology as a discipline. N
6) Internalization and dissemination of professional ethical standards. N
7) Demonstration of competence in information technologies, and the ability to use computer and other technologies for purposes related to the pursuit of knowledge in psychology and the broader social sciences. N
8) Skills to communicate the knowledge of psychological science effectively, in a variety of formats, in both Turkish and in English (in English, at least CEFR B2 level). N
9) Recognition, understanding, and respect for the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity. S Participation
10) Recognition for the need for, and the skills to pursue, lifelong learning, inquiry, and self-improvement. S HW,Participation
11) Ability to formulate critical hypotheses based on psychological theory and literature, and design studies to test those hypotheses. N
12) Ability to acquire knowledge independently, and to plan one’s own learning. S Exam,HW
13) Demonstration of advanced competence in the clarity and composition of written work and presentations. H Exam,HW
Prepared by and Date CANFUAD DELALE , February 2024
Course Coordinator CANFUAD DELALE
Semester Fall
Name of Instructor

Course Contents

Week Subject
1) Introduction to Rocket Propulsion
2) Review of Compressible Flow
3) Review of Thermodynamics and Chemistry
4) Thrust Equation, Nozzle Design, Rocket Equation
5) Thermochemistry and Propellants - Fundamentals
6) Thermochemistry and Propellants – NASA CEA Software
7) Classification of Propulsion Systems; Solid – Liquid – Hybrid
8) Hybrid Rocket Propulsion – Fundamentals
9) Hybrid Rocket Propulsion – Design Issues
10) Launch Trajectories
11) Rocket Motor Component Design
12) Chemical Rocket Stability
13) Space Industry – Low Cost Launch Vehicles
14) Nuclear and Electric Propulsion
15) Final Examination
16) Final Examination
Required/Recommended ReadingsRocket Propulsions Elements, George Sutton, Wiley Interscience Orbital Mechanics for Engineering Students, Elsevier.
Teaching MethodsFlipped Learning
Homework and Projects
Laboratory Work
Computer Use
Other Activities
Assessment Methods
Assessment Tools Count Weight
Attendance 14 % 10
Project 10 % 40
Midterm(s) 1 % 30
Paper Submission 7 % 20
TOTAL % 100
Course Administration delalec@mef.edu.tr
02123953651
Instructor’s office and phone number: A Block 5th floor, 0 212 395 36 51 office hours: Tuesday 14.00-15.00 email address: delalec@mef.edu.tr Rules for attendance: Minimum 70% attendance (in face to face education) is required. Missing a midterm: Provided that proper documents of excuse are presented, each missed midterm by the student will be given the grade of the final exam. No make-up will be given. A reminder of proper classroom behavior, code of student conduct: YÖK Disciplinary Regulation Statement on plagiarism: YÖK Disciplinary Regulation

ECTS Student Workload Estimation

Activity No/Weeks Hours Calculation
No/Weeks per Semester Preparing for the Activity Spent in the Activity Itself Completing the Activity Requirements
Course Hours 14 1 3 56
Project 7 5 2 1 56
Midterm(s) 2 4 2 12
Final Examination 3 5 2 1 24
Total Workload 148
Total Workload/25 5.9
ECTS 6