Analysis of a bi-propellent rocket engine applied to teaching thermodynamics: a case study

Abstract

The importance of the student's role in the learning process has been recognized for a long time. Several methodologies have been developed, such as inverted class and project-based teaching, or its less complex variant, case study-based teaching. Thermodynamics and fluid mechanics are some of the most complex disciplines taught in physics and engineering. Among its main difficulties for students, are the terminology and concepts little connected to everyday life, in addition to the need for an analysis, there is a need for connection between several of these concepts and a more complex mathematics than that found in Newtonian mechanics. The case study is considered by several authors to be a variant of teaching based on projects that are simpler to be implemented and accepted by students. In this work, a case study is carried out on the thermodynamic relationships of a bi-propellant rocket engine aimed at engineering students. From a simplified model of the engine, a mathematical modeling is done using the first law of thermodynamics and its implications. To perform the mathematical calculations from the analysis, an engine is considered whose propellant and fuel are liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen (LOX / LH2), respectively. This case study is in line with The setting of the case can be made considering the various news about space exploration of projects in India, China or the so-called new space.

Keywords:
Case Study; Thermodynamics; Aerospace; Rockets