Outline

Overview

This unit aims to develop and understanding of aircraft propulsion systems. Students will learn to solve problems related to the analysis and selection of various propulsion systems in use- propellers, gas turbines, etc. The topics covered include: Propulsion unit requirements for subsonic and supersonic flight; thrust components, efficiencies, additive drag of intakes; Piston engine components and operation; Propeller theory; Operation, components and cycle analysis of gas turbine engines, turbojets, turbofans, turboprops, ramjets; Components: compressor, fan, burner, turbine, nozzle; Efficiency of components: Off-design considerations; Future directions: minimisation of noise and pollution, scram-jets, hybrid engines.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	AERO9261
Assumed knowledge ?	Mathematics and Physics to a level of Bachelor of Science or equivalent. Good knowledge of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Dries Verstraete, dries.verstraete@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final Exam – written component final exam. Exercises similar to the in-semester quizzes. Open book	15%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Oral exam	Final Exam – oral component Oral exam, theory component with questions from a predetermined list	25%	Formal exam period	20 minutes (oral)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Tutorial Exercises One tutorial question per tutorial as specified by the unit coordinator.	10%	Multiple weeks	2 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Gas Turbine Lab Report Individual lab report	5%	Multiple weeks	4 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Propeller and Prop/Engine Maching Individual report	20%	Week 05	10 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Quiz 1 Quiz on design point performance	5%	Week 09	1 hour	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Gas Turbine Design Point Analysis Group report. SparkPlus will be used for assessing contributions.	15%	Week 10	25 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Quiz 2 Quiz on off-design performance	5%	Week 13	1 hour	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Propeller assignment:

This assignment on Propellers will be in a Report form and includes the results of the propeller performance calculations.

Gas turbine group assignment:

Gas turbine engine cycle calculation: selection and design / off-design performance. SparkPlus will be used for assessing contributions.

Quiz 1 and 2:

Exercise to be solved independently during the tutorial and handed in (open book).

Tutorial exercises:

Solution of one tutorial question per tutorial as specified by the unit coordinator at the end of the tutorial

Gas turbine lab report:

Report on the lab on the micro turbine including performance calculations and operating line. Due 1 week after the actual lab. Lab runs in multiple weeks.

Students will be assigned a specific session.

Final exam:

The exam consists of 2 parts: Part A Exercises: The student takes a two hours examination at the end of the course. This part of the exam is open book and written. Part B Theory: The student has an oral exam on the theory of the UoS. Each student will prepare and answer 2 questions and discuss/explain the answer to the UoS Coordinator.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5% per work day.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Please select a valid week from the list below	independent work to prepare class, work on assignments, prepare quizzes, revise material. 5 hours per week	Self-directed learning (67 hr)
Week 01	1. Course overview; 2. Review of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics; 3. Engine thrust and performance parameters	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	1. Propeller principles; 2. Froude Theory; 3. Blade Element Theory	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	1. Propeller principles; 2. Froude Theory; 3. Blade Element Theory	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	1. Gas turbines; 2. Turbojet engines	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Gas turbines; turbojet engines	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	1. Turbofan engines; 2. Afterburners; 3. Turboprop engines	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	1. Turbofan engines; 2. Afterburners; 3. Turboprop engines	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Turbomachinery fundamentals and maps	Lecture (3 hr)
	Turbomachinery fundamentals and maps	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Gas turbine component matching	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Gas turbine component matching	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Gas turbine off-design performance	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Gas turbine off-design performance	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Gas turbine engine control	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	Gas turbine engine control	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Air intakes	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Air intakes	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	1. Compressors; 2. Combustion chambers	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	1. Compressors; 2. Combustion chambers	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	1. Combustion chambers; 2. Turbines	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	1. Compressors; 2. Combustion chambers	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	1. Turbines; 2. Novel and advanced engine cycles (geared turbofan, intercooled cycles; ramjet/scramjet engines)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	1. Turbines; 2. Novel and advanced engine cycles (geared turbofan, intercooled cycles; ramjet/scramjet engines)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Revision	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	Revision	Tutorial (2 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. write an engineering report on an experimental test
LO2. discuss and present engine performance and design data in a written report
LO3. explain engine performance and different engine types in final exam
LO4. design and select a gas turbine engine type for a given application
LO5. select appropriate engine cycles and propellers for a given aircraft and flight conditions
LO6. carry out a cycle analysis of a gas turbine engine, including ramjet and turbo-fan engines
LO7. understand the working of various components of gas turbines and how their interaction results in the overall engine performance
LO8. identify relevant data to estimate performance of existing aircraft engines
LO9. solve systems of non-linear equations governing propeller performance
LO10. solve thermodynamic cycle calculations for both design point and off-design calculations.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Assignments 2 and 3 were integrated into a single assignment.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

AERO8261: Propulsion

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links