Rocket Propulsion

Equips students with an up-to-date practical knowledge of rocket propulsion, numerous homework problems, and online self-study materials.

Stephen D. Heister (Author), William E. Anderson (Author), Timothée L. Pourpoint (Author), R. Joseph Cassady (Author)

9781108422277, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 7 February 2019

586 pages, 317 b/w illus. 45 tables 270 exercises
26 x 18.3 x 3 cm, 1.36 kg

'Rocket Propulsion provides a comprehensive coverage of the core aspect of chemical (solid and liquid) rocket motor design. [It] makes good use of relevant examples and case studies which help to ground much of the theoretical analyses presented … this is a very good senior undergraduate or postgraduate level textbook covering key aspects of rocket propulsion with a focus on thermochemical rocket motor design.' Dr Katharine Smith, University of Manchester

A modern pedagogical treatment of the latest industry trends in rocket propulsion, developed from the authors' extensive experience in both industry and academia. Students are guided along a step-by-step journey through modern rocket propulsion, beginning with the historical context and an introduction to top-level performance measures, and progressing on to in-depth discussions of the chemical aspects of fluid flow combustion thermochemistry and chemical equilibrium, solid, liquid, and hybrid rocket propellants, mission requirements, and an overview of electric propulsion. With a wealth of homework problems (and a solutions manual for instructors online), real-life case studies and examples throughout, and an appendix detailing key numerical methods and links to additional online resources, this is a must-have guide for senior and first year graduate students looking to gain a thorough understanding of the topic along with practical tools that can be applied in industry.

1. Classification of rocket propulsion systems and historical perspective
2. Mission analysis fundamentals
3. Trajectory analysis and rocket design
4. Ideal rocket nozzle performance
5. Combustion and thermochemistry
6. Heat transfer
7. Solid rocket motors (SRMs)
8. Liquid rocket engines (LREs)
9. Liquid rocket propellants
10. Turbomachinery fundamentals
11. Hybrid rocket engines (HREs)
12. Combustion instability
13. Electric propulsion fundamentals.

Subject Areas: Aerospace & aviation technology [TRP], Mechanics of fluids [TGMF], Mechanics of solids [TGMD], Technical design [TBD], Engineering: general [TBC]