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M-TECH in Thermal And Propulsion Aerospace Engineering at Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Thermal and Propulsion (Aerospace Engineering) at Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram?
This Thermal and Propulsion program at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) focuses on advanced principles and applications in aerospace propulsion, thermal management, and combustion. It prepares students for critical roles in India''''s burgeoning space and defense sectors, contributing to indigenous rocket and aircraft development. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical skills crucial for national strategic initiatives.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates with a background in Mechanical, Aerospace, Aeronautical, or Chemical Engineering, and M.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering. It caters to fresh graduates aspiring to contribute to India''''s space missions (ISRO) or defense organizations (DRDO), as well as professionals seeking to specialize in advanced propulsion and thermal technologies for aerospace applications. A strong aptitude for physics and mathematics is beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in space agencies, defense research organizations, and private aerospace companies in India. Roles include propulsion system designers, thermal analysts, combustion engineers, and R&D specialists. Starting salaries typically range from INR 7-15 LPA for freshers, with significant growth potential as they gain experience, aligning with India''''s growing aerospace and defense industry demand.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Engineering Sciences- (Semester 1)
Build a robust understanding of advanced fluid dynamics, heat transfer, combustion science, and propulsion systems. Focus on fundamental equations, derivations, and problem-solving techniques taught in the first semester.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, reference textbooks like Anderson and Incropera, academic journals
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is essential for R&D roles in ISRO, DRDO, and private aerospace companies, enabling sophisticated design and analysis.
Develop Foundational Programming Skills- (Semester 1)
Enhance programming proficiency, particularly in numerical methods for engineering. Utilize tools like MATLAB or Python for solving problems encountered in fluid dynamics and heat transfer courses.
Tools & Resources
Online coding platforms like HackerRank, Coursera courses on Scientific Computing, departmental workshops
Career Connection
Crucial for developing computational models and simulations, a highly sought-after skill in aerospace and defense research in India.
Engage in Departmental Research Exposure- (Semester 1)
Attend departmental seminars, workshops, and interact with faculty about their ongoing research. Identify potential areas of interest for future projects and specialization during the initial semester.
Tools & Resources
IIST research group pages, faculty office hours, annual research symposiums
Career Connection
Early exposure helps in selecting relevant electives and project topics, aligning with research careers in national labs or academia.
Intermediate Stage
Acquire Advanced Simulation Expertise- (Semester 2)
Master Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA) software. Apply these tools to real-world thermal and propulsion problems during labs and the mini-project in the second semester.
Tools & Resources
ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, COMSOL Multiphysics, IIST training modules
Career Connection
Direct applicability to design, analysis, and R&D roles in aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors, highly valued by Indian engineering firms.
Participate in Mini-Projects and Internships- (Semester 2 (Summer after Sem 2))
Actively engage in the mini-project to gain practical experience in problem formulation, design, and experimental validation. Seek summer internships in relevant Indian aerospace or research organizations.
Tools & Resources
IIST''''s career development cell, project guidance from faculty, industry contacts
Career Connection
Builds a strong portfolio, provides industry exposure, and creates networking opportunities vital for securing placements in core engineering companies.
Explore Elective Specializations- (Semester 2)
Carefully choose professional electives that align with career aspirations, such as advanced rocket propulsion, spacecraft thermal management, or combustion instability, deepening knowledge in niche areas.
Tools & Resources
Elective course descriptions, discussions with faculty mentors, industry trend analysis
Career Connection
Develops specialized expertise, making students more attractive to employers seeking specific skills in India''''s advanced aerospace programs.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Comprehensive M.Tech Project- (Semester 3-4)
Devote significant effort to the M.Tech thesis, conducting in-depth research, experimental work, or advanced simulations. Aim for publishable quality research output.
Tools & Resources
IIST research labs, computational clusters, advanced software licenses, guidance from project supervisors
Career Connection
A strong thesis enhances research credentials, opens doors to R&D positions, Ph.D. opportunities, and demonstrates independent problem-solving capabilities to Indian employers.
Develop Technical Communication Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Refine presentation and technical writing skills through seminar presentations, project reports, and thesis documentation. Practice articulating complex ideas clearly and concisely for professional settings.
Tools & Resources
IIST writing center, public speaking workshops, peer review sessions, LaTeX for professional formatting
Career Connection
Essential for roles requiring report generation, presenting research findings, and technical discussions in Indian defense and space organizations.
Network and Prepare for Placements- (Semester 3-4)
Actively engage with IIST''''s placement cell, attend company presentations, and participate in mock interviews. Network with alumni working in relevant Indian aerospace industries to explore opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Placement cell resources, LinkedIn, alumni connect programs, career fairs
Career Connection
Maximizes chances of securing desirable placements in top Indian aerospace companies, research institutions, and government organizations like ISRO and DRDO.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E/B.Tech in Mechanical, Aerospace, Aeronautical, Chemical Engineering or M.Sc in Aerospace Engineering with at least 60% aggregate marks or CGPA/CPI of 6.5 out of 10 (55% or 6.0 for SC/ST/PD candidates). Valid GATE score is mandatory.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 60 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40% (for theory courses), External: 60% (for theory courses)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AE811 | Advanced Fluid Dynamics | Core | 3 | Conservation Equations, Vorticity Dynamics, Boundary Layer Theory, Compressible Flow Fundamentals, Non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics |
| AE812 | Advanced Heat and Mass Transfer | Core | 3 | Conduction Heat Transfer, Convection Heat Transfer, Radiation Heat Transfer, Phase Change Phenomena, Mass Transfer Principles |
| AE813 | Combustion Science | Core | 3 | Chemical Kinetics in Combustion, Thermodynamics of Combustion, Flame Propagation Theories, Detonation and Deflagration, Pollutant Formation Mechanisms |
| AE814 | Advanced Propulsion Systems | Core | 3 | Airbreathing Engines, Rocket Propulsion Fundamentals, Hybrid Propulsion Concepts, Electric Propulsion Technologies, Nuclear Propulsion Principles |
| MA801 | Applied Mathematics | Core | 3 | Linear Algebra and Vector Spaces, Ordinary Differential Equations, Partial Differential Equations, Numerical Methods for Engineers, Transform Techniques |
| AE831 | Thermal and Propulsion Lab-I | Lab | 2 | Fluid Flow Measurements, Heat Transfer Experimentation, Engine Performance Testing, Combustion Diagnostics, Propulsion System Component Testing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AE821 | Gas Dynamics and Nozzle Flows | Core | 3 | Isentropic Flow Relations, Normal Shock Waves, Oblique Shock Waves, Prandtl-Meyer Expansion, Nozzle and Diffuser Design |
| AE822 | Computational Fluid Dynamics | Core | 3 | Governing Equations of Fluid Flow, Discretization Methods (FDM, FVM), Grid Generation Techniques, Steady and Unsteady Flow Solvers, Turbulence Modeling |
| AE823 | Turbomachinery | Core | 3 | Axial Compressors Principles, Centrifugal Compressors Design, Axial Turbines Aerodynamics, Radial Turbines Characteristics, Blade Design and Analysis |
| AE8XX | Professional Elective I | Elective | 3 | Advanced propulsion systems design, High-temperature gas dynamics, Spacecraft thermal control, Combustion instabilities analysis, Computational thermal-fluid sciences, Energy conversion technologies |
| AE832 | Thermal and Propulsion Lab-II | Lab | 2 | CFD Software Application, Turbomachinery Performance Testing, Advanced Combustion Diagnostics, Propellant Characterization, Heat Exchanger Analysis |
| AE833 | Mini Project | Project | 3 | Literature Review and Problem Scoping, Design and Development Methodology, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Technical Report Writing, Project Presentation and Evaluation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AE8XX | Professional Elective II | Elective | 3 | Rocket engine component design, Hypersonic aerodynamics and propulsion, Micro and nano scale heat transfer, Experimental fluid mechanics techniques, Advanced thermodynamics for energy systems, Aerospace materials for high temperature applications |
| AE8XX | Professional Elective III | Elective | 3 | Liquid rocket engine design, Solid rocket motor performance, Gas turbine engine components, Thermal management of electronics, Numerical methods for unsteady flows, Combustion modeling and simulation |
| AE834 | Seminar | Project | 2 | Literature Survey on Advanced Topics, Technical Presentation Skills, Critical Analysis of Research Papers, Scientific Writing for Publications, Discussion and Q&A Sessions |
| AE835 | M.Tech. Project Part-I | Project | 6 | Problem Identification and Formulation, Extensive Literature Review, Project Proposal Development, Methodology Design and Planning, Preliminary Data Collection/Simulation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AE836 | M.Tech. Project Part-II | Project | 12 | In-depth Research and Experimentation, Advanced Data Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing and Documentation, Design and Development of Solutions, Final Project Presentation and Viva Voce |
