Given an engineering problem related to propulsion and power systems, you will use the 9-step method to create or select the appropriate model and run and interpret simulations in order to obtain a good solution of such a problem, and communicate the results.

You will be guided by instructors during dedicated online sessions and, if you can participate in person, during practical workshops. You will be encouraged to collaborate with your peers, as you would do in a professional environment. You will use software tools including OpenModelica and GSP to develop and configure the models required to run the simulations for your specific analysis. You can choose an engineering problem related to an aero engine, industrial gas turbine or another energy system.

This main objective will be obtained by developing the following theoretical capabilities:

• Describing the role of models in Propulsion and Power Systems Engineering, and describe examples of systems, processes, modeling paradigms, applications, software tools and methods.
• Representing and understanding the functionality of a system by means of a process flow diagram.
• Defining and using on-design and off-design steady state and dynamic models and applying them to solve design, operational and control problems.
• Applying the basic principle of accounting for conserved variables and defining conservation balances which occur in typical propulsion and power systems. In addition, selecting, interpreting and using various forms of conservation equations depending on the problem at hand.
• Obtaining, evaluating, interpreting and using various forms of constitutive equations (thermo-physical models of fluids, chemical reaction equations, heat transfer and fluid dynamic correlations, etc.)
• Choosing and configuring numerical techniques for the solution of non-linear algebraic systems of equations and differential algebraic systems of equations.
• Using dynamic models and simulations to obtain information relevant to the design of control strategies and to the tuning of controller parameters.
• Applying the concepts at the basis of several modeling approaches. Describing and using modularity, hierarchy, connections and inter-module variables in order to develop complex system models.
• Selecting the level of model fidelity required for the solution of a propulsion and power system problem.
• Communicating the results of the engineering analysis both verbally, and by means of a technical report.

In addition, the student will apply these new techniques to become competent in more specific problems to be chosen among those involving aero engines, gas turbines, power and thermal control systems. To this end, teams of students will work on an assignment which requires them to develop a system model, run simulations, interpret results and write a short report. Specific learning objectives related to the practical part of the course are therefore:

• Predicting system performance under various environmental and operating conditions, so that they can be used also for performance studies.
• Understanding and analyzing the effects of system configuration on performance.
• Designing simple controllers and evaluating their performance from closed-loop simulations.

Modules

Part 1 (2nd education period, 3 ECTS)

Module 1 – Introduction, Context, Foundations
Module 2 – Conservation equations
Module 3 – Modeling paradigms
Module 4 – Numerical methods and software
Module 5 – Modelica
Module 6 – Constitutive equations
Module 7 – Components and system modeling
Module 8 – Verification and validation
Module 9 – Model-based control

Part 2 (3rd education period, 2 ECTS)

Module 10 - Team Project to be chosen among
a – Aero engine with GSP or GTPsim
b – Power or propulsion system with Modelica

ASSESSMENT

Part 1: Exercises
The first module is tested with a Quiz.
The other modules are tested with take home exercises which are explained and partially carried out during the weekly sessions. The deliverables must be uploaded on the online learning environment by the delivery dates that are posted there. The exercises are preparatory for the Exam on Part 1 and are graded.

Part 1: Written exam
Take home exam is graded and covers the material of the 9 Modules of Part 1 of the course. Duration: approximately 5 days. The date in which the exam text is made available and the delivery date are posted on the online learning environment.

Part 2: Simulation project
Teams of students (2-3) are given an assignment that requires the development of a system model either in GSP/GTPSim or in OpenModelica/Dymola
Graded deliverables: technical report, model files.
A short oral examination is conducted to assess the knowledge and understanding about the project of each member of the team, separately. The grade of each student for this part of the course is determined by considering both the project report and its execution and the oral exam.

Grading
the final grade is calculated as
Final Grade = 0.2 x Exercises Grade + 0.4 x Take Home Exam Part 1 Grade + 0.4 x (Simulation Project + Oral Exam Grade).
A final grade can be obtained only if the grade of the Take Home Exam Part 1 and of Part 2 are sufficient (>=6).

Certification

If you successfully complete your online course you will be awarded a TU Delft certificate, stating that you were registered as a non-degree-seeking student at TU Delft and successfully completed the course. The certificate will also indicate the number of ECTS credits this course is equal to (5 ECTS) when this course is taken as part of a degree program at the university.

This course is a MSc course in the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering. If you decide that you would like to apply to the full Master's program in Aerospace Engineering, you will need to go through the admission process as a regular MSc student. If you are admitted, you can then request an exemption for this course, which you completed as a non-degree-seeking student. The Board of Examiners will evaluate your request and will decide whether or not you are exempted.

Below, you can find the expected prior knowledge required to participate in this course. Please note that these are provided as indications only. TU Delft will not request proof of this prior knowledge through copies of degrees or diplomas. However, it is your responsibility to ensure that you possess the necessary knowledge, acquired through prior education or relevant work experience.

• A relevant BEng or BSc degree in a subject closely related to the content of the course or specialized program in question, such as aerospace engineering, aeronautical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering or (applied) physics.
• The learning objectives of the following TU Delft courses:
  • AE1240-I Thermodynamics
  • AE2230-II Propulsion and Power
  • AE1205 Programming and Scientific Computing in Python for Aerospace
  • AE4238 Aero Engine Technology
  • ME45000 Heat Transfer
• Level of English equivalent to one of the following certificates:
  • TOEFL score 90+ (this is an internet-based test)
  • IELTS (academic version) overall Band score of at least 6.5
  • University of Cambridge: "Certificate of Proficiency in English" or "Certificate in Advanced English" 

Admission process

In order to complete your admission process you will be asked to upload a valid copy of your passport or ID card.

Note: The maximum number of participants in this course is 15.

If you have any questions about this course or the TU Delft online learning environment, please visit our Help & Support page.