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Aerospace Engineering

Rocket Science and Engineering

Sadok Smine

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First of all, if you're looking for a course that contains basic knowledge about rocket science, just skip ahead because this course is NOT for you. This course is more mathematics oriented. Think of it as rocket propulsion university lectures compressed into 4.5 hours, that's why high school/basic mathematics and physics are recommended.

You can always check my AP/College Physics course, your call.

           

I assure you, this is the only online course that focuses this much on rocket propulsion. Go ahead, do your research.

You will however, understand the concepts behind rocket science and engineering and you will never say "IT'" again, because as it turns out, it's not that hard.

This course contains 4.5 hours of content containing clear course videos and examples to help you better understand the concepts of rocket propulsion, and you will also find quiz questions at the end of each section so you can test your knowledge.

This course contains crystal clear explanation of rocket propulsion, how to deal with complex equations which are critical to rocket design and how to use these equations to design a rocket engine for a specific mission.

This course is made using Microsoft PowerPoint which I Provided in the form of a PDF so you can keep up while watching the course videos. You will find it included as a resource in the first course video, so you can easily download it.

"We choose to go to the moon not because they are easy but because they are hard". JFK

What students say about this course:

"I honestly never thought it would be this detailed. The way the instructor presents such complex concepts, so simple, so elegant. The examples and the quiz questions helped a lot.

Whether you're a total beginner or a Ph.D. student, this course is PERFECT for you.

Thank you so much, really enjoyed it. "

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Discover rockets and their components
  • Derive and understand the rocket thrust equation
  • Full understanding of specific impulse
  • Derive and understand tsiolkovsky’s rocket equation
  • Discover the aerodynamic forces on a rocket
  • Thorough thermodynamic analysis
  • Understand the meaning of an ideal rocket
  • Derive, develop and understand complex rocket design equations in a simple manner
  • Design a rocket engine for a specific orbit/altitude
  • Derive and understand performance key parameters
  • Full understanding of how liquid-propellant rocket engines work and their components
  • Discover the different engine cooling techniques
  • Heat transfer analysis
  • Full understanding of how solid-propellant rocket engines work and their components
  • Discover the different electric propulsion systems, the difference between them and how they work
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

Rocket Science and Engineering: Introduction
Course Overview
Background
What are Rockets and Why Do We Use Them?
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Rocket Components
Different Types of Rockets
Fundamentals and Performance
Deriving The Rocket Thrust Equation
Specific Impulse
Weight Flow Rate
Tsiolkovsky's Rocket Equation
Rocket Staging
Fundamentals and Performance Quiz
Flight Performance
Aerodynamic Forces
Attitude Control Systems
Flight Performance Quiz
Nozzle Theory and Thermodynamic Analysis
Introduction: The Ideal Rocket
Mass Flow Rate in Isentropic Flow
Deriving The Flow Equation
Isentropic Relations
The Exhaust Velocity
The Exhaust Velocity: Example
Flow Density
Throat Area and Expansion Ratio
Stagnation and Combustion Chamber Conditions
Stagnation and Combustion Chamber Conditions: Example
The Ideal Nozzle
The Ideal Nozzle: Example
The Diverging Nozzle: The Bell Shaped Nozzle
Combustion Chamber and Converging Nozzle Design
Thrust Coefficient and Characteristic Velocity
Thrust Coefficient and Characteristic Velocity: Example
Nozzle Theory and Thermodynamic Analysis Quiz
Liquid-Propellant Rocket Engines
Liquid-Propellant Fuel Engine: Fundamentals
Turbopumps and Cavitation
Pogo Instability
Heat Transfer Methods: Basics
Engine Cooling and Heat Transfer
Igniters
Propellant Choice
Liquid-Propellant Fuel Engine Quiz
Solid-Propellant Rocket Engines
Solid-Propellant Rocket Engines: Fundamentals
Solid Propellants
Solid-Propellant Rocket Engines Quiz
Electric Propulsion
Electric Propulsion: Introduction
Electrothermal Thrusters
Electrostatic Thrusters
Electrostatic Thrusters: Example
Electromagnetic Thrusters
Electromagnetic Thrusters: Example
Electric Propulsion Quiz
References

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Helps overcome complex equations critical for rocket design
Ideal for beginners and advanced learners alike
Designed for those seeking deep understanding of rocket science
Comprehensive coverage of liquid-propellant rocket engines
Offers clear examples to simplify complex concepts
Requires prerequisite knowledge in high school math and physics

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Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Aerospace Engineering: Rocket Science and Engineering. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Aerospace Engineering: Rocket Science and Engineering will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers work primarily in research and development. They may also work in design and testing. Concepts and equations from this course are fundamental towards designing, developing, and testing rockets, missiles, and spacecraft. Some roles may even require you to have proficiency in solid and/or liquid rocket propulsion, which this course covers as well. In addition, this course may teach you skills and provide knowledge that will be critical for working with your team to apply scientific research to practical aerospace engineering problems.
Rocket Scientist
Rocket Scientists conduct research and apply scientific principles to the design, development, and testing of rockets and missiles. A major portion of this job will be spent with rocket propulsion, which this course dives deep into. Propulsion is what enables rockets to travel through the air and space. The complex equations that govern rocket propulsion are derived and simplified throughout this course.
Astronautical Engineer
Astronautical Engineers work on spacecraft, satellites, launch vehicles, and other space systems. This course may be useful for understanding the propulsion portion of such systems, and more specifically any spacecraft, satellite, or other space system that will have a rocket as its primary means of propulsion.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design, develop, and test mechanical systems. This course may be useful for those who will work with systems that involve propulsion or for those who work on designing and developing vehicles.
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists research and develop new materials and improve existing ones. This course may be useful for those who will work on developing materials used in rocket propulsion systems, such as heat-resistant materials that can withstand the high temperatures generated by rocket engines.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineers design, develop, and operate chemical plants and processes. This course may be useful for those who will work on designing and developing propellants for rocket engines.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems. This course may be useful for those who will work on designing and developing electrical systems for rockets.
Computer Scientist
Computer Scientists design, develop, and test computer systems. This course may be useful for those who will work on developing software for rocket guidance and control systems.
Physicist
Physicists study the fundamental laws of nature. This course may be useful for those who will work on developing new theories of rocket propulsion.
Mathematician
Mathematicians develop and apply mathematical theories and techniques to solve problems in science, engineering, and business. This course may be useful for those who will work on developing new mathematical models of rocket propulsion.
Science Teacher
Science Teachers teach science to students at the primary, secondary, and college levels. This course may be useful for those who will teach physics or engineering.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create and edit technical documents, such as manuals, reports, and proposals. This course may be useful for those who will write about rocket science and engineering.
Patent Agent
Patent Agents help inventors obtain patents for their inventions. This course may be useful for those who will work on patents for rocket science and engineering inventions.
Librarian
Librarians help people find and access information. This course may be useful for those who will work in a library that specializes in rocket science and engineering.
Museum curator
Museum Curators oversee the collections and exhibits of museums. This course may be useful for those who will work in a museum that has a collection of rockets and spacecraft.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Aerospace Engineering: Rocket Science and Engineering.
A comprehensive reference on the design and analysis of liquid-propellant rocket engines. Useful as a reference for more advanced topics, as the course only briefly touches on some of them.
A comprehensive textbook on aircraft and rocket propulsion. Useful as a more in-depth reference for those interested in learning more about the subject.
A classic textbook on rocket propulsion, providing a comprehensive overview of the field. Useful as a reference for more advanced topics, as the course only briefly touches on some of them.
A comprehensive textbook on spacecraft propulsion and power systems. Useful as a reference for more advanced topics, as the course only briefly touches on some of them.
Provides a strong foundation in thermodynamics, which is essential for understanding rocket propulsion. Useful as background reading for those with limited thermodynamics knowledge.
Provides a strong foundation in astrodynamics, which is essential for understanding rocket trajectories and maneuvers. Useful as a reference for more advanced topics, as the course only briefly touches on some of them.
Provides a strong foundation in advanced mathematics, which is essential for understanding rocket propulsion. Useful as background reading for those with limited mathematics knowledge.
Provides a strong foundation in aerodynamics, which is essential for understanding rocket propulsion. Useful as background reading for those with limited aerodynamics knowledge.
A more introductory textbook on rocket propulsion. Useful for those with limited knowledge of the subject or as a supplement to the course.

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