ME 542 Gas Turbines

Catalog Description

ME 542 Gas Turbines (3). Prerequisites: ME 310 and ME 401. Theory and design of various types of gas turbine engines used for power and propulsion. Thermodynamic cycle analysis; design basics of turbomachinery, nozzles, diffusers and combustion chambers; engine performance analysis.

Prerequisites by Topic

1. Dynamics
2. Thermodynamics
3. Fluid mechanics

Textbook

J.D. Mattingly, Elements of Gas Turbine Propulsion, McGraw Hill, 1996.

Reference

D.G. Wilson, The Design of High Efficiency Turbomachinery and Gas Turbines, MIT Press, 1984.

Coordinator

W.G. Cobourn, Professor of Mechanical Engineering.

Course Objectives

This course is designed to introduce students to the field of turbomachinery and gas turbines, and to provide an opportunity to apply knowledge of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics to the design and analysis of a sophisticated engineering system.

Topics

1. Thermodynamics review (3 classes)
2. Turbomachinery introduction (3 classes)
3. Compressible flow in turbomachines (6 classes)
4. Gas turbine engines (4 classes)
5. Ideal engine cycles (5 classes)
6. Real engine cycles (5 classes)
7. Performance analysis (5 classes)
8. Turbomachinery design basics (4 classes)
9. Inlets, nozzles, and combustors (4 classes)
10. Field trips and examinations (3 classes and 2½ hours)

Computer Use

Programming and use of various software packages on both UNIX based and Windows/DOS based systems.

Laboratory Projects

None.

Graduate Requirements

Graduate-level students are required to write a term paper in addition to regular class assignments.

Laboratory Schedule

Three 50 minute sessions per week devoted to lecture, discussion, and problem solving.

Evaluation

Graduate-level students are required to write a term paper in addition to regular class assignments.

Professional Component Contribution

Engineering science: 1 credit, engineering design: 2 credits.

Relationship to Program Objectives

This course supports Mechanical Engineering program objectives by developing:

• An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering in the field of mechanical engineering.
• An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs in the field of mechanical engineering.
• An ability to identify, formulate and solve problems in the field of mechanical engineering.
• A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learning in the field of mechanical engineering.
• An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern tools necessary for the practice of mechanical engineering.

Prepared by W.G. Cobourn, March 2006