MAE2402 - Thermodynamics and gas dynamics

Overview

This unit provides the discipline basis for applications in energy and power. It is the core unit in the discipline of thermal sciences, providing a basic level of knowledge and problem-solving capability in thermodynamics and gas dynamics. Thermodynamics underpins the study of aerospace propulsion and thermal systems and is also a key component of understanding compressible gas dynamic systems. The study of gas dynamics is relevant to high-speed flight, high-thrust propulsion, spaceflight and re-entry. Thus, the unit is core to understanding both aerodynamics and propulsion systems.

Offerings

S2-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

Requisites

Prohibition

Prerequisite

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Associate Professor Daniel Edgington-Mitchell

Unit Coordinator(s)

Associate Professor Daniel Edgington-Mitchell

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

Identify the conservation laws relevant to thermodynamics and gas dynamics.

Use the principle of the conservation of energy to predict the performance of aerospace systems.

Appreciate how the second law of thermodynamics imposes upper limits on the efficiency of aerospace systems.

Analyse thermodynamic cycles as idealised analogues to propulsive systems.

Apply conservation principles to predict the behaviour of 1D shock and expansion waves.

Apply the quasi-1D approximation principle to design supersonic nozzles (eg rocket propulsion), wind tunnels and diffusers.

Teaching approach

Active learning

Assessment summary

Continuous assessment: 40%

Final assessment: 60%

This unit contains threshold hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

Assessment

1 - Mid-semester Test

2 - Laboratory Reports

3 - Practical Marks

4 - Moodle Quizzes

5 - Examination

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Laboratories

Practical activities

Workshops

Workload requirements

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Other unit costs

The following item is mandatory for practical aspects of the unit and should be purchased at your own cost as you will be reusing them throughout your course.

Calculator

Availability in areas of study

E3001 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Specialisation: Aerospace engineering