2.2 Aircraft Propulsion

• The meaning of aircraft propulsion and the production of thrust
• Principles that govern aircraft propulsion: Newton laws and the Otto and Brayton cycles
• Types of aircraft engines: reciprocating and gas turbine engines
• Construction of the four-stroke piston engine and its systems
• Construction and operation of turbojet, turbofan, turboprop and turboshaft engines
• The importance of aircraft engines in propulsion

• explain the principles that govern aircraft propulsion
• describe the types of engines in aircraft propulsion
• classify the types of aircraft engines in propulsion
• illustrate the construction of aircraft engines in propulsion
• simulate the operation of aircraft engines in propulsion
• recognise the importance of aircraft engines in propulsion

“How is an aero-piston engine important?”

“How does an aircraft engine produce thrust?”

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1. What aircraft propulsion means
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Introduce aircraft propulsion and the two key inquiry questions.
2. Newton laws and thrust
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Explain thrust using Newton laws of motion.
3. The Otto cycle
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Explain the Otto cycle that governs the piston engine.
4. The Brayton cycle
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Explain the Brayton cycle that governs gas turbine engines.
5. Types of aircraft engines
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Classify the types of aircraft engines used in propulsion.
6. The reciprocating engine
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Describe the construction of a reciprocating aero engine.
7. The four-stroke cycle
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Describe the four-stroke operating cycle of a piston engine.
8. Parts of a piston engine
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Identify the parts of a piston engine and their functions.
9. Ignition and fuel systems
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Explain the ignition and fuel systems of a piston engine.
10. Cooling and lubrication
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Explain how a piston engine is cooled and lubricated.
11. The propeller
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Explain how a propeller turns engine power into thrust.
12. The gas turbine engine
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Describe the construction and operation of a gas turbine engine.
13. The turbojet engine
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Describe the turbojet engine and its use.
14. The turbofan engine
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Describe the turbofan engine and its use on airliners.
15. The turboprop engine
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Describe the turboprop engine and its use.
16. The turboshaft engine
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Describe the turboshaft engine and its use.
17. Comparing aircraft engines
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Compare the different aircraft engine types.
18. Engine construction and materials
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Explain the materials used to construct aircraft engines.
19. Simulating engine operation
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Use models and simulation to study engine operation.
20. Thrust and engine performance
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Explain the factors that affect engine thrust and performance.
21. The importance of aircraft engines
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Explain the importance of aircraft engines in propulsion and society.
22. Safety, maintenance and careers
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Explain safety, maintenance and careers in aircraft propulsion.