Internal Combustion and Gas Turbine Engines
Overview
To provide students with a thorough understanding of energy systems, heat transfer and thermodynamic applications to Internal Combustion engines. An advanced understanding of the theory and operation of gas turbine engines is also addressed
Requisites
Assumed Knowledge
PHY10002 Introduction to Physics
AND
MTH10008 Aviation Mathematics
31-May-2026
Unit learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Describe basic thermodynamics as applied to engine systems
- Apply thermodynamic principles to analyse and evaluate the design and operation of internal combustion engines
- Apply thermodynamic principles to analyse and evaluate the design and operation of gas turbine engines
- Interpret and apply aircraft engine certification, regulatory, and maintenance requirements in typical operational scenarios
- Identify and describe key current and emerging engine technologies
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Lecture |
2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| On-campus Workshop |
1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| On-campus Lab |
2.00 | 1 weeks | 2 |
| Online Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning |
1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning |
8.33 | 12 weeks | 100 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULOs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 | Individual | 10 - 20% | 1,2,3 |
| Assignment 2 | Individual | 10 - 20% | 3,4,5 |
| Examination | Individual | 30 - 40% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Tutorial Exercises | Group | 10 - 20% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Quizzes | Individual | 10 - 20% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
Hurdle
As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass a unit and meet all ULOs to a minimum standard, an undergraduate student must have achieved:
(i) an aggregate mark of 50% or more, and
(ii) at least 40% in the final exam.
Students who do not successfully achieve hurdle requirement (ii) will receive a maximum of 45% as the total mark for the unit.
Content
- Principles, components and operation of Internal Combustion Engines
- Principles, components and operation of Basic Gas Turbines Engines
- Basic Engineering Units and Unit Conversions
- Review of First Law of Thermodynamics
- Heat transfer processes; basic heat exchanger design
- Engine operation including FADEC/EEC
- Engine derivatives and performance impact
- Regulatory requirements
- Fuel; types, limitations and availability
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.