Module Details

Module Code: SYST H2602
Module Title: Propulsion Systems 1
Title: Propulsion Systems 1
Module Level:: 6
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Cathal Nolan
Module Author:: Roddy McNamee
Domains:  
Module Description: The student will understand the working principles of aircraft gas turbine, piston engines and propellers.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Explain the theoretical fundamentals of the gas turbine and piston engines.
LO2 Describe the principles of operation of an engines ancillary systems, eg oil and fuel.
LO3 Recognise the fundamental principles of a propeller.
LO4 Classify the relationship between an engine and an aircraft’s on-board systems.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
None
 
Indicative Content
Fundamentals
Potential energy, kinetic energy, Newton's laws of motion, Brayton cycle; Otto Cycle, Diesel Cycle. The relationship between force, work, power, energy, velocity, acceleration; Constructional arrangement and operation of turbocharged, supercharged, turbojet, turbofan, turboshaft, turboprop.
Piston Engine Construction
Crankcase, crankshaft, camshafts, sumps, accessory gearbox, cylinder and piston assemblies, connecting rods, inlet and exhaust manifolds, valve mechanisms, propeller reduction gearboxes.
Gas Turbine Construcion.
Inlets, Compressors, Combustors, Turbines and Exhaust.
Propeller Fundamentals
Blade element theory; High/low blade angle, reverse angle, angle of attack, rotational speed; Propeller slip; Aerodynamic, centrifugal, and thrust forces; Torque; Relative airflow on blade angle of attack; Vibration and resonance
Propeller Construction
Construction methods and materials used in wooden, composite and metal propellers; Blade station, blade face, blade shank, blade back and hub assembly; Fixed pitch, controllable pitch, constant speeding propeller; Propeller/spinner installation
Propeller Pitch Control
Speed control and pitch change methods, mechanical and electrical/electronic; Feathering and reverse pitch; Overspeed protection. Reverse pitch protection and associated electronic systems.
Piston Engine Supercharging / Turbocharging.
Principles and purpose of supercharging and its effects on engine parameters, construction and operation of supercharging / turbocharging systems, system terminology, control systems, system operation and system protection.
Bearings and Seals
Constructional features and principles of operation
Lubricants and Fuels
Properties and specifications; Fuel additives; Safety precautions.
Lubrication Systems
System operation/lay-out and components
Fuel Systems
Operation of engine control and fuel metering systems including electronic engine control (FADEC); Systems lay-out and components.
Starting and Ignition Systems
Operation of engine start systems and components; Ignition systems and components; Maintenance safety requirements.
Engine Indication Systems
Exhaust gas temperature/ Interstage turbine temperature systems, engine speed, engine thrust Indication: engine pressure ratio (EPR), engine Turbine Discharge pressure or jet pipe pressure systems, Oil pressure and temperature, Fuel pressure, temperature and flow, Manifold pressure, Engine torque and Propeller speed, Exhaust gas analysis.
Turbo-prop Engines
Gas coupled/free turbine and gear coupled turbines; Reduction gears; Integrated engine and propeller controls; Overspeed safety devices.
Auxiliary Power Units (APUs)
Purpose, operation, protective systems
Fire Protection Systems
Operation of detection and extinguishing systems
Engine Monitoring and Ground Operation
Procedures for starting and ground run-up; Interpretation of engine power output and parameters; Trend (including oil analysis, vibration and boroscope) monitoring; Inspection of engine and components to criteria, tolerances and data specified by engine manufacturer; Compressor washing/cleaning; Foreign Object Damage.
Propeller Synchronisation and Synchrophasing.
Beat frequency, master, slave.
Sustainability
Methods to reduce engine emissions and engine noise.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment20.00%
Practical20.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Examination % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Each student will take short answer question exams, administered during term time for which a maximum of 10% will be awarded
Assessment Type Examination % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 2,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Each student will take short answer question exams, administered during term time for which a maximum of 10% will be awarded
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Each student will complete practical tasks during the module with a brief task report, administered during term time for which a maximum of 20% will be awarded.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Each student will sit a formal written examination a the end of the module for which a maximum of 70% will be awarded.
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00 36
Practicals Contact No Description 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00 24
Independent Learning Non Contact Self Learning using VLE 15 Weeks per Stage 4.33 65
Total Weekly Contact Hours 5.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Rayner Joel. (1996), Basic engineering thermodynamics, Longman, Harlow, Essex, England, [ISBN: 0582256291].
  • T. D. Eastop, A. McConkey. Applied thermodynamics for engineering technologists, Longman ; 1993., Essex, England, [ISBN: 0582091934].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • A&P Mechanics Powerplant Handbook, [ISBN: USG 160051444].
  • Inc. Jeppesen Sanderson. A&P Technician Powerplant Textbook, Iap, p.528, [ISBN: 0884872076].
  • Pallet, E. H. J. Pallett. Aircraft Instruments, Longman Publishing Group, [ISBN: 0-582-01898-6].
  • Klaus Hunecke. Jet Engines, The Crowood Press Ltd, p.224, [ISBN: 1853108340].
  • (2005), The Jet engine, Rolls-Royce, London, [ISBN: 0-902121235].
  • Nicholas Cumpsty. Jet Propulsion, [ISBN: 052159674].
  • Trevor Thom. The Air Pilot's Manual: The Aeroplane-Technical, Airlife Publishing, Ltd., p.176, [ISBN: 1840371552].
  • Dale Crane. Aircraft Maintenance Technician Series - Powerplant.
  • Ahmed F. El-Sayed. (2008), Aircraft Propulsion and Gas Turbine Engines, 1. CRC Press, United States, [ISBN: 978084939196].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: