Fundamentals of Combustion for Propulsion | IIT Madras & IISc Course
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 32 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Categories | Mechanical Engineering, Propulsion |
| Credit Points | 2 |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 13 Mar 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 28 Mar 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Bridging Theory and Practice: A Deep Dive into Combustion for Propulsion
The development of propulsion systems for space and defense applications represents one of the pinnacles of engineering achievement. Yet, a persistent gap often exists between the fundamental science of combustion and its practical application in industry. Practitioners tackling complex issues like combustion instability frequently find traditional methods and mindsets insufficient. Addressing this critical need, a new advanced course on the Fundamentals of Combustion for Propulsion has been designed by leading experts from India's premier institutes.
Course Overview: Who is it For?
This intensive 8-week postgraduate course is meticulously crafted to bridge the academic-industry divide. It is tailored for:
- Research Scholars & PhD Students specializing in combustion, propulsion, and aerospace engineering.
- Practicing Engineers involved in the development of combustion and propulsion systems at organizations like DRDO, ISRO, HAL, and NAL.
Prerequisites: A UG/PG degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering is required to fully engage with the advanced material.
Meet Your Distinguished Instructors
The course brings together unparalleled expertise from two of India's most respected technical institutions.
Prof. S Varunkumar - IIT Madras
Prof. Varunkumar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Madras. With a Ph.D. from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, his research is at the cutting edge of propulsion technology. His key focus areas include:
- Instability in solid propellant rockets.
- Thermo-chemical conversion of biomass and coal.
- Development of novel combustion models like the Heterogeneous Quasi-One-Dimensional (HeQu1-D) framework for composite propellants.
An active participant in ISRO and DRDO technical committees, he translates fundamental research into practical solutions for national aerospace programs.
Prof. H S Mukunda - IISc Bangalore
A veteran with over 34 years of service at the Aerospace Engineering Department of IISc, Prof. Mukunda is a towering figure in Indian combustion sciences. He has:
- Supervised over 25 doctoral theses.
- Authored seminal textbooks like Understanding Combustion and Understanding Aerospace Chemical Propulsion.
- Played a crucial role in troubleshooting and reviewing major ISRO launch vehicles and DRDO missiles.
His deep, practical experience in both aerospace and industrial combustion provides a holistic perspective to the course.
Detailed 8-Week Course Curriculum
The course is structured to build from foundational principles to advanced, application-specific challenges.
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | Foundations: Chemical equilibrium, rate-controlled processes, laminar flames (premixed & diffusion), and burning behavior of gaseous, liquid, and solid fuels. |
| Week 3-4 | Solid Propellant Combustion: Deep dive into composite solid propellant deflagration. Introduction to the HeQu1D modeling framework, statistical representation of propellants, and the effect of additives like aluminum. |
| Week 5 | Advanced Solid Rocket Phenomena: Erosive burning and a two-part series on the critical issue of combustion instability in solid rockets. |
| Week 6 | Liquid Propellants & Other Systems: Combustion in liquid propellant rockets, gas turbine afterburners, boundary layers, and hybrid rockets. |
| Week 7 | Combustion Instability Across Systems: Modes and mechanisms of instability in liquid rockets and afterburners. Strategies for evolving instability-free designs. |
| Week 8 | Synthesis & Discussion: Interactive discussions, overview of covered topics, and a look at future challenges and directions. |
Key Learning Outcomes and Industry Relevance
Participants will gain a robust conceptual framework to tackle real-world propulsion challenges. The course emphasizes:
- A strong grasp of equilibrium and kinetic processes governing combustion.
- Hands-on understanding of modern modeling techniques like the HeQu1D framework.
- Strategic insights into diagnosing and mitigating combustion instability—a major hurdle in reliable propulsion system design.
- The ability to think critically and develop novel strategies for next-generation propulsion systems.
Industry Support: This course is directly relevant to and supported by major Indian aerospace and defense stakeholders including DRDO, ISRO, HAL, and NAL.
Essential Reading and Reference Materials
The curriculum is supported by foundational textbooks and groundbreaking research papers:
- Understanding Combustion & Understanding Aerospace Chemical Propulsion by H.S. Mukunda.
- Seminal paper: "A model of composite solid-propellant combustion based on multiple flames" by Beckstead, Derr, and Price.
- Key research by the instructors: "A novel approach to composite propellant combustion modeling with a new Heterogeneous Quasi One-dimensional (HeQu1-D) framework" and its extension to aluminized propellants.
This course is a unique opportunity to learn from the minds shaping India's propulsion future. It promises not just knowledge, but a new way of thinking to solve the most persistent problems in combustion-driven propulsion.
Enroll Now →