Introduction To Propulsion Systems For Propeller-driven Small And Micro Aircraft

This comprehensive textbook is designed for a one-semester elective course tailored for aerospace and mechanical engineering students. It offers an in-depth examination of propeller-driven propulsion systems for small and micro unmanned aerial vehicles. The material presented is based on fundamental principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer. The book introduces essential concepts of propulsion systems and assesses their performance across different altitudes. Comprising 12 chapters, it explores a broad spectrum of topics, including different propulsion methods, propeller characteristics, ideal and real four-stroke engines, gas exchange processes, supercharging and turbocharging, combustion dynamics in internal combustion engines (ICEs), two-stroke engines, testing and operational performance, lubrication and wear mechanisms, critical challenges in miniaturizing ICEs, electric motors, non-electric energy storage systems, and atmospheric properties as they relate to altitude. Enriched with original, well-crafted diagrams and detailed derivations of equations, the book aims to simplify complex topics. Each chapter features comprehension questions, practical exercises, and carefully selected references for further study.

Eran Sher is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering, recognized internationally for his pioneering work in thermodynamics and propulsion systems, particularly in the realm of small-size and micro propulsion. A graduate of the University of Manchester (PhD) and a postdoctoral researcher at MIT, Dr Sher has also served as a Visiting Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Technion, Israel Institute of Technology. He is a recipient of the prestigious John Orr International Award and the Bergman Award for outstanding scientific achievements. Dr Sher's extensive publication record includes over 160 scientific papers in leading journals and over 250 presentations at international conferences. He is also a co-author, with John B Heywood, of the definitive text The Two-Stroke Cycle Engine, and Editor of the Handbook of Air-Pollution from Internal Combustion Engines. Currently, Dr Sher serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Clean Energy and Energy Storage, Associate Editor of the Journal of Atomization and Sprays, and Editor-in-Chief of the Emerging Technologies Book Series for World Scientific Publication Company.