MAE 6540

Last Updated

  • Schedule of Classes - January 5, 2026 3:59PM EST

MAE 6540
Plasmas for Propulsion

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

This course covers the physics, thermodynamics, and mechanics of ionized fluids for propulsion applications. This course begins by introducing principles of statistical thermodynamics to derive distribution functions for the fluid description of charged particles. Electrohydrodynamic and magnetohydrodynamic continuum models are introduced and applied to equilibrium problems ranging from the transport of a multi-species charged liquid in a propellant reservoir to the acceleration of a supersonic plasma flow. Both continuum and kinetic approaches are applied to understand the key principles and non-linear phenomena pertinent to the design and operation ion engines, Hall thrusters, and generic ion plumes.


Enrollment Priority Enrollment limited to: graduate students.

Last 1 Terms Offered 2025SP

View Enrollment Information

Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session. 

  • 3 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  7680 MAE 6540   LEC 001

  •  
    • TR Upson Hall 102
    • Jan 20 - May 5, 2026

    • Petro, E

  • Instruction Mode: In Person

Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session. 

  • 3 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  7681 MAE 6540   LEC 002

  •  

  • Instruction Mode: Distance Learning-Asynchronous