NPTEL Course: Combustion of Solid Fuels & Propellants | IIT Kharagpur
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 174 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Categories | Aerospace Engineering, Energy, Climate and Sustainability |
| Credit Points | 2 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 16 Feb 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 27 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 25 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Science Behind Rocket Power: A Deep Dive into Solid Fuel Combustion
Have you ever wondered what gives a rocket its immense power to break free from Earth's gravity? The answer lies in the controlled, violent, and fascinating science of combustion, particularly of solid fuels and propellants. For students and professionals in aerospace and mechanical engineering, understanding this process is fundamental to advancing propulsion technology.
To bridge the gap between theory and advanced application, the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur offers a detailed online course, Combustion of Solid Fuels and Propellants, via the NPTEL platform. This 8-week program, designed and taught by an expert in the field, provides a structured journey from basic principles to complex combustion phenomena.
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Srinibas Karmakar
The course is led by Prof. Srinibas Karmakar, an Associate Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at IIT Kharagpur. With a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering specializing in combustion from Louisiana State University, USA, Prof. Karmakar brings over a decade of dedicated teaching and research experience in propulsion.
His expertise is not just academic; it's applied. He has guided multiple Ph.D. theses and his research areas—including droplet/spray combustion, combustion of solid fuels/propellants, energetic metals, and green propellants—are supported by major Indian research organizations like DRDO and SERB. Learning from an instructor actively shaping the field ensures the content is both relevant and cutting-edge.
Who Should Enroll in This Course?
This course is meticulously designed for:
- Undergraduate (Final Year), Postgraduate, and Ph.D. students in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering.
- Industry professionals and research scientists from defense, space, and propulsion sectors.
- Anyone with a keen interest in the foundational principles of rocket science and combustion technology.
Prerequisites: A basic understanding of Thermodynamics and Aerospace Propulsion is recommended to fully grasp the advanced concepts discussed.
What Will You Learn? Course Overview & Layout
The 8-week curriculum is structured to build knowledge from the ground up, culminating in specialized topics. Here’s a week-by-week breakdown:
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Basics of Rocket Propulsion: Principles, classification, performance parameters, and applications of solid rockets. |
| Week 2 | Solid Propellants: Ingredients, selection criteria, and general classification. |
| Week 3 | Combustion of Solid Propellants-I: Mechanisms of Double-base propellants, combustion zones (Preheated, Foam, Fizz, Dark, Flame). |
| Week 4 | Combustion of Solid Propellants-II: Burning rate analysis (Vielle’s Law), decomposition of Ammonium Perchlorate (AP). |
| Week 5 | Combustion of Solid Propellants-III: AP composite propellant flames, burning rate evaluation, effects of pressure & AP crystal size. |
| Week 6 | Combustion of Metals-I: Metals as fuel, particle combustion, and the Glassman criterion. |
| Week 7 | Combustion of Metals-II: Effect of metals on propellant combustion, combustion products, and future developments. |
| Week 8 | Erosive Burning in Solid Propellant Rockets: Theories, experimental approaches, and effects on burning rate. |
Key Learning Outcomes and Industry Relevance
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Understand and compare the fundamental combustion mechanisms of different solid propellants (Double-base and Composite).
- Analyze the burning rate behavior of propellants and the factors influencing it.
- Comprehend the role and complex combustion behavior of metal fuels (like aluminum) in enhancing propellant performance.
- Explain the phenomenon of erosive burning and its impact on solid rocket motor design.
The course holds significant industry support from leading Indian organizations, including:
- Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
- Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL)
- High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL)
- Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
This endorsement underscores the course's practical value for careers in space research, defense technology, and propulsion system development.
Essential Reading and Resources
To supplement the video lectures, the course recommends several authoritative texts:
- Rocket Propulsion Elements by Sutton and Biblarz (9th Edition)
- Fundamentals of Solid Propellant Combustion by Kuo and Summerfield
- Rocket Propulsion by K. Ramamurthi
- Relevant NPTEL courses on Aerospace and Jet Propulsion
Why Take This Course?
In an era focused on sustainable and high-performance energy, mastering combustion science is crucial. This course offers a rare opportunity to learn advanced concepts directly from an IIT professor and researcher. Whether you aim to contribute to India's space ambitions, work in defense R&D, or simply build a strong foundation in propulsion, Combustion of Solid Fuels and Propellants is an invaluable resource. Enroll today and ignite your understanding of the forces that propel humanity beyond the atmosphere.
Enroll Now →