AE4452: Advanced Missile Propulsion - NPS Online
Advanced Missile Propulsion
Course #AE4452
Est.imated Completion Time: 3 months
POC: NPS Online Support
Overview
Analysis and design of solid propellant rockets, ramjets, dual-combustion ramjets, ducted rockets, and detonation-based propulsion systems. Propellant selection criteria and characteristics, combustion models and behavior, performance analysis, combustor design, combustion instabilities and damping, mission and flight envelope effects on design requirements and technology requirements. Use of chemical equilibrium analysis software, performance, and grain design codes. Laboratory test firings for comparison with measured performance.
Included in degrees & certificates
- 118
- 608
- 613
Prerequisites
- AE3851
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of AE4452, students should be capable of the following skills:
1. Describe the performance and limitations of both rocket and air-breathing propulsion systems, including their thermodynamic cycle, operating envelopes, and mission application.
2. Calculate the motor/engine performance for a given propellant composition, combustion chamber conditions and nozzle configuration utilizing equilibrium combustion codes.
3. Evaluate propellant performance and the effects of non-compositional effects, erosive burning, and temperature sensitivity.
4. Select and size appropriate grain profiles for given mission requirements.
5. Analyze supersonic intake performance for on and off-design flight Mach numbers.
6. Analyze ramjet and scramjet combustor performance including flameholding impact on system specific impulse.

Application Deadlines
-
08 Jan 2024
Spring Quarter applications due
-
01 Apr 2024
Summer Quarter applications due
-
08 Jul 2024
Fall Quarter applications due
Academic Calendar
-
08 Dec 2023
Last day of classes
-
12 Dec 2023 – 14 Dec 2023
Fall Quarter final examinations
-
15 Dec 2023
Fall Quarter graduation
See NPS Academic Calendar for more dates.