Course Meeting Times
Lectures: 2 sessions / week, 1.5 hours / session
Prerequisites
16.50 Introduction to Propulsion Systems
Course Description
This course covers the fundamentals of rocket propulsion and discusses advanced concepts in space propulsion ranging from chemical to electrical thrusters. Topics include advanced mission analysis, physics and engineering of microthrusters, solid propellant rockets, electrothermal, electrostatic, and electromagnetic schemes for accelerating propellant. Additionally, satellite power systems and their relation to propulsion systems are discussed. The course includes laboratory work emphasizing the design and characterization of electric propulsion engines.
Training Requirements
For the laboratory project, students were required to go through the MIT-EHS safety training before gaining access to the laboratory. In addition, specific training at the MIT Space Propulsion Laboratory (SPL) was required.
Textbook and Additional Resources
- Jahn, Robert G. Physics of Electric Propulsion. Dover Publications, 2006. ISBN: 9780486450407.
- Journal of Propulsion and Power
- Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets
- Other Journals in Applied Physics, including the Journal of Applied Physics, and Plasma Physics Journals such as the Journal of Plasma Physics or Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion
Grading
| ACTIVITIES | PERCENTAGES |
|---|---|
| Problems Sets (5 total, only first four problem sets were graded) | 25% |
| Laboratory Project | 25% |
| Midterm Exam (open book and notes, lectures 1–12.) | 25% |
| Final Exam (open book and notes, lectures 13–25.) | 25% |
Calendar
| SES # | TOPICS | KEY DATES |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction | |
| 2 | Fundamentals and Definitions | |
| 3–4 | Mission Analysis | |
| 5 | Review of Classical Astrodynamics | |
| 6 | Analytical Approximations for Low Thrust Maneuvers | Problem Set 1 due |
| 7 | Sub-optimal Climb and Plane Change | |
| 8 | Basic Electromagnetic Theory and Plasma Physics | |
| 9 | Overview of the Physics in the Plasma Sheath | Problem Set 2 due |
| 10 | Electrostatic Thrusters (Kaufman Ion Engines) | |
| 11 | Characterization of Space Propulsion Devices | |
| 12 | Monopropellant Thrusters | Problem Set 3 due |
| Midterm Exam | ||
| 13 | Electrothermal Augmentation | |
| 14 | Plasmas in Equilibrium | |
| 15 | Arcjet Thrusters | Problem Set 4 due |
| 16 | Hall Thrusters | |
| 17 | Hall Thruster Efficiency | |
| 18 | Hall Thrusters: Fluid Model of the Discharge | |
| 19 | Plasma Accelerators / Magneto Plasma Dynamic (MPD) Thrusters | Problem Set 5 discussed in class |
| 20 | Electrospray Propulsion | |
| 21 | Laboratory Project Presentations & Discussion | Lab Project due |
| 22–23 | Cone-jet Electrosprays, or Colloid Thrusters | |
| 24 | Ion Emission and the Pure Ionic Regime | |
| 25 | Electrodynamic Tethers | |
| Final Exam | ||
