Air-breathing propulsion systems; rocket propulsion systems; combustion applied to aerospace propulsion systems.
The course focuses on the analysis of airbreathing and rocket propulsion systems. Each component of these propulsion systems is analysed from first principles and expressions for their performance are developed.ﾠThe components are then combined into complete systems and overall cycle analyses are carried out. The end results are relationships between the engine design parameters, performance and fuel consumption of turbojets, afterburning turbojets, turbofans, ramjets, scramjets and rockets. This course will enable students to analyse the performance of any propulsion system, including new designs. It will give them an understanding of the operation, advantages and limitations of common propulsion systems, allowing them to select the optimum system for a given application.
The course also covers the fundamental principles of combustion, and offers analytical solutions for simplified physical situations. The material gives a physical understanding of the primary mechanisms controlling combustion processes, and provides tools of an approximate nature suitable for design, estimation and scaling purposes. The course gives a suitable background for students who want to do further work on more detailed computational and analytical study of combusting systems.ﾠ
Fluids competency, to the level of steady compressible flows (the equivalent of the compressible flow module of MECH3410).
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
MECH2700, MECH3400, MECH3410
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MECH4450
The workshops for this course are a great venue for consultation as this will allow the entire class to benefit from the responses, as do consultations through the discussion board. In addition, the active lecturer will hold an office hour every week for you to drop in and ask questions.
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
The aim of this course is to synthesise what you have learned throughout your engineering program to understand, analyse and optimize aerospace propulsion systems. You will learn the operating principles of conventional propulsion systems such as gas turbine based engines, ramjets, scramjets, rockets and electric thrusters, along with their advantages and limitations. Scientific principles will be applied to analyse the systems level performance of these engines, allowing their performance to be optimised. These analysis techniques will also be applied to evaluate the performance of new and novel engine designs. Since many aerospace propulsion systems are combustion based, you will also learn combustion analysis techniques.
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand the operating principles of air-breathing propulsion systems, rockets and combustion systems
LO2.
Analyse aircraft and spacecraft engines by synthesising concepts introduced in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics to develop system models
LO3.
Analyse combustion systems by synthesising concepts introduced in chemistry, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics to develop system models
LO4.
Predict and evaluate the performance of new and novel engine designs using the analysis techniques described above
LO5.
Justify which engine performance measures are most relevant for different applications
LO6.
Design an optimal propulsion system for a given application, using appropriate performance measures to rationally select the system type and optimise its parameters
LO7.
Experimentally investigate propulsion system performance as a team and present findings as a professional engineering report.
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project | Major assignment | 20% Progress Report (5%), Final Report (15%) |
16/04/2026 - 28/05/2026
Progress Report due 16/04/2026 at 1:00 pm Final Report due 28/05/2026 at 1:00 pm |
| Tutorial/ Problem Set | Workshop problems | 12% 1.5% per problem set, best 8 out of 11 submissions count towards your final grade. |
Problem Set 1 5/03/2026 1:00 pm Problem Set 2 12/03/2026 1:00 pm Problem Set 3 19/03/2026 1:00 pm Problem Set 4 26/03/2026 1:00 pm Problem Set 5 2/04/2026 1:00 pm Problem Set 6 16/04/2026 1:00 pm Problem Set 7 23/04/2026 1:00 pm Problem Set 8 30/04/2026 1:00 pm Problem Set 9 7/05/2026 1:00 pm Problem Set 10 14/05/2026 1:00 pm Problem Set 11 21/05/2026 1:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Report on Cold Gas Thruster Experiment | 8% |
16/03/2026 - 24/04/2026
Reports are due at 1:00 pm two teaching weeks after completion of experiment (mid-semester break/public holidays excluded). Thruster experiments will be held in Week 2 - Week 6 (inclusive). |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
60% |
End of Semester Exam Period 6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
16/04/2026 - 28/05/2026
Progress Report due 16/04/2026 at 1:00 pm
Final Report due 28/05/2026 at 1:00 pm
Major assignment set on selected topic, requiring individual research efforts going beyond the formally presented coursework material. Will incorporate knowledge gained in the propulsion and combustion sections of the course to analyse a complete propulsion system. May be done in pairs or individually.
A progress report is to be submitted (5% of course grade) to demonstrate that the methodology using concepts learned in the early modules of the course of the assignment has been developed. This will allow the assignment to be rapidly completed once students gain the required knowledge of the remaining modules in the 2nd half of semester. The progress report will be informal, summarising the theory that has been applied and showing the results of validation cases.
The final report (15% of course grade) will formally document the methodology, results and discussion of the entire project (both combustion and propulsion aspects).
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
NB: If you are completing this assessment item individually you will need to upload a document that confirms this. If you are completing this assessment as a group, you must submit the Extension of Group Assessment - Group Member Acknowledgement (DOCX, 40.8 KB) form with your request.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Problem Set 1 5/03/2026 1:00 pm
Problem Set 2 12/03/2026 1:00 pm
Problem Set 3 19/03/2026 1:00 pm
Problem Set 4 26/03/2026 1:00 pm
Problem Set 5 2/04/2026 1:00 pm
Problem Set 6 16/04/2026 1:00 pm
Problem Set 7 23/04/2026 1:00 pm
Problem Set 8 30/04/2026 1:00 pm
Problem Set 9 7/05/2026 1:00 pm
Problem Set 10 14/05/2026 1:00 pm
Problem Set 11 21/05/2026 1:00 pm
Short, open book, weekly problems to be completed in groups in workshops along with self-assessment of your performance. Each weekly problem and self-assessment is graded pass/fail. You will receive passing grades for making a reasonable attempt at the questions and providing proper self-assessment. Self-assessment should be based on round the room discussions in which 2-3 groups (in turn) will present parts of the solution with corrections (if any) from the class or a member of the teaching team. Please submit your individual working and self-assessment on Blackboard including a list of group members you worked with for each workshop.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
Submit a scan/image of your working for the weekly problems and self-assessment on Blackboard and include a list of group members you worked with for each workshop.
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
To accommodate unforeseen circumstances such as illness, your workshop problems will be based on the best 8 out of 11 submitted.
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Results and feedback are released in the workshop.
16/03/2026 - 24/04/2026
Reports are due at 1:00 pm two teaching weeks after completion of experiment (mid-semester break/public holidays excluded).
Thruster experiments will be held in Week 2 - Week 6 (inclusive).
Cold gas (air) thruster experiment, performed in groups to be allocated. Involves experimental measurement of thrust of a small motor, over flight envelope corresponding to flight from ground level to space. Comparison with theory required, accompanied by a laboratory report. Reports are group submissions, authored by students who attended the same lab session. Students must participate in a laboratory session to be eligible to receive marks for the report.
Please refer to Blackboard for a detailed marking criteria.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
If, for whatever reason, you find that your group is not functioning effectively, please contact your Course Coordinator for support.
Submit via Turnitin on Blackboard.
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Students must submit the Extension of Group Assessment - Group Member Acknowledgement (DOCX, 40.8 KB) form with their request.
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
End of Semester Exam Period
6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026
Consisting of two separate parts (Propulsion and Combustion). The exam will contain formula sheets provided as a part of the exam script.
Format: Problem solving
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 180 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
You may be able to defer this exam.
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to satisfy most or all of the basic requirements of the course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30.00 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to satisfy some of the basic requirements of the course. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45.00 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Falls short of satisfying all the requirements for a Pass. Or fails to achieve a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50.00 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates adequate understanding and application of the fundamental concepts of the field of study; develops routine arguments or decisions and provides acceptable justification; communicates information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. Satisfies the following basic learning requirements for the course:- is able to apply concepts introduced in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics to the analysis of aircraft engines and combustion phenomena; is capable of modelling simple gas turbines; is capable of modelling combustion related systems. Overall grade 50.00-64.99% and a minimum score of 40% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65.00 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates ability to use and apply fundamental concepts of propulsion and combustion systems, going beyond mere replication of content knowledge or skill to show understanding of key ideas, awareness of their relevance and some originality or insight. Overall grade 65.00-74.99% and a minimum score of 55% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75.00 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates awareness and understanding of deeper and subtler aspects of propulsion and combustion systems. This is shown by an ability to solve non-routine problems, and to adapt and apply ideas to new situations. Overall grade 75.00-84.99% and a minimum score of 65% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85.00 - 100.00 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates imagination, originality and intuitive understanding, based on proficiency in all the learning objectives for the course. Overall grade 85.00% or greater and a minimum score of 75% in the IVA requirement explained below. |
Identity verified assessment.
Identity verified assessment (IVA) will be through obtaining at least 40% of the available marks in the final exam.
You need to pass the IVA hurdle to pass the course regardless of your final mark. Students who achieve a total mark of 50 or greater but do not pass the IVA hurdle will receive a grade of 3.
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Assessment items submitted using the Turnitin link on the course Blackboard site, will check your work for evidence of plagiarism, collusion, and other forms of academic misconduct.ﾠ
A failure to reference AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
ﾠ
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Laboratory access
Students must have completed the Student Laboratory Safety Induction, Annual Fire Safety Training and Health Safety and Wellness (HSW) to a specific laboratory induction, all accessed via Blackboard.
If you require access for experimental work, then register for an induction by searching for that laboratory at the following link:
https://student.eait.uq.edu.au/urite/
Additional requirements to be inducted into each laboratory will be listed on that link.
Students can also check their HSW training card here:
https://student.eait.uq.edu.au/safe
Access to laboratories will be granted after all of the specific laboratory requirements have been met.
If you have any inquiries regarding HSW please contact the School’s Technical Services Team on labsupport@mechmining.uq.edu.
Group Work Resources and Support
The Student Support website covers the following topics under Study skills and learning advice > Group work:
Templates for team contracts: UQ library group charter example, Teams101x Team Contract Template
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Not Timetabled |
Independent and Reflective Studies Reinforce understanding of lecture material by searching and studying reference material and by applying formal theory to the solution of problems related to Aerospace Propulsion. Ungraded problem sets and solutions will be provided to provide focus to this activity. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lectures Formal coverage of the fundamentals of aerospace propulsion and combustion systems and examples of their application to a wide variety of systems. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 13 |
Workshop |
Workshops The 2 hour workshop sessions begin with a brief demonstration of applying the course content to analyze a propulsion or combustion system, after which short, open book questions are to be completed in small groups. While discussion is strongly encouraged, each student should write their own version of the group's solution. During a presentation of the solution and class discussion, students should reflect on their solution, identifying errors and how they might be remedied. This process ensures you receive regular, timely feedback on your learning. This will be followed by informal discussions with course staff on any issues relating to course, with particular emphasis on applying lecture material to solve practical aerospace propulsion problems. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 6 |
Practical |
Rocket thrust measurement Experiments to be performed in groups of 4 in scheduled laboratory class times. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L07 |
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.