Aeronautical Thermodynamics Course
About our
The Aeronautical Thermodynamics course explores the fundamental principles of thermodynamics and their specific application in the aerospace industry. It covers topics such as gas flows, thermodynamic cycles of aircraft engines, heat transfer and component cooling, as well as the influence of altitude and speed on aircraft performance. It focuses on understanding propulsion systems, including gas turbines, piston engines, and rockets, using mathematical modeling and simulations for analysis and design.
The course provides tools for analyzing the thermodynamic performance of aircraft, optimizing efficiency and fuel consumption. It includes an analysis of fuels and combustion, and their impact on engine design. It provides key knowledge for roles such as engine design engineers, propulsion systems specialists, and aircraft performance analysts, preparing them for the challenges of modern aeronautical engineering.
Aeronautical Thermodynamics Course
- Format: Hybrid
- Duration: 3 months
- Hours: 300 H
- Language: English / Spanish
- Registration date: 23-10-2026
- Start date: 12-12-2026
- Available places: 3
620 $
Competencies and results
What you will learn
1. Advanced Thermodynamic Analysis for Aeronautical Design and Performance Optimization
- Master the fundamental principles of thermodynamics applied to complex aeronautical systems.
- Evaluate and optimize the performance of aeronautical engines, considering advanced thermodynamic cycles.
- Apply numerical simulation tools for the analysis and design of aeronautical components and systems.
- Understand and analyze heat transfer phenomena in aeronautical environments, including convection, conduction, and radiation.
- Develop skills in the selection and application of advanced materials, such as alloys and composites, to improve aircraft efficiency and durability.
- Analyze and optimize the design of cooling and air conditioning systems for aircraft.
- Study the thermodynamics of propulsion systems, including gas turbines, piston engines, and rocket systems.
- Understand the effects of altitude and speed in the thermodynamic performance of aircraft.
Apply life cycle assessment techniques to evaluate the environmental impact of aeronautical systems.
Use specialized software to simulate and analyze aeronautical thermodynamic systems.
2. Essential Thermodynamic Principles and their Application in Aeronautical Systems
## What Will You Learn?
1. Gain a deep understanding of the **fundamental concepts** of thermodynamics, including:
* Laws of thermodynamics and their application.
* Entropy and free energy.
* Thermodynamic cycles (Otto, Diesel, Brayton, etc.).
* Heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation).
2. Understand the **behavior of gases** and fluids in aeronautical systems:
* Properties of ideal and real gases.
* Compressible and subsonic/supersonic flow.
* Equations of state and their application.
* Analysis of propulsion systems (piston engines, turbines).
3. Apply thermodynamics to the **design and analysis** of aeronautical systems:
* Cabin climate control and pressurization systems.
* Engine and component cooling systems.
* Study of energy efficiency and emissions reduction.
* Optimization of thermodynamic processes in aircraft.
4. Master the tools and techniques of thermodynamic **modeling and simulation**:
* Thermodynamic system simulation software.
* Analysis of results and validation of models.
* Data interpretation and decision-making.
* Application of thermodynamics in conceptual and detailed design.
5. Explore **future trends** in aeronautical thermodynamics:
* New materials and technologies.
* Innovative propulsion systems (hybrid, electric).
* Sustainability and energy efficiency.
* Research and development in the field.
3. Comprehensive user-oriented design and validation (from modeling to manufacturing)
You will learn to integrate the entire product development process, from initial model conception to final validation, applying user-centered methodologies. You will develop skills in parametric design, ergonomics, simulation, sustainable materials, 3D visualization, and manufacturing management, ensuring efficient, safe solutions that meet current industry standards.
4. Aeronautical Thermodynamics: Domain of Jet Engines and Propulsion Systems
4. Aeronautical Thermodynamics: Jet Engines and Propulsion Systems
- Fundamentals of thermodynamics applied to aeronautics, including principles of conservation of energy and entropy.
- Detailed study of the thermodynamic cycles used in jet engines: the Brayton cycle and its variants.
- Analysis of jet engine components: compressors, combustion chambers, turbines, and nozzles.
- Evaluation of jet engine performance: thrust, specific fuel consumption, and thermal efficiency.
- Modeling and simulation of jet engines using specialized software.
- Principles of jet propulsion and their application in different types of aircraft.
- Study of alternative propulsion systems: gas turbine engines and their applications.
- Analysis of the influence of conditions Atmospheric conditions and their impact on engine performance.
Design and optimization of intake and exhaust systems for jet engines.
Introduction to Full Engine Control Devices (FADEC) and their operation.
Study of jet engine emissions and technologies for their reduction.
Principles of high-temperature gas thermodynamics and their application in jet engines.
Failure analysis and maintenance of jet engines.
Introduction to emerging technologies in aeronautical propulsion, such as combined cycle engines and electric propulsion.
5. Aeronautical Thermodynamics: Analysis of Thermodynamic Cycles and Efficiency of Aerospace Systems
5. Aeronautical Thermodynamics: Analysis of Thermodynamic Cycles and Efficiency of Aerospace Systems
- In-depth understanding of the fundamentals of thermodynamics and its application to aeronautics.
- Detailed study of the thermodynamic cycles relevant to aerospace systems, including power and refrigeration cycles.
- Analysis of energy efficiency in aircraft engines and propulsion systems, evaluating key factors such as compression ratio and temperature.
- Evaluation of the thermodynamic properties of different gases and fluids used in aviation, such as air, fuels, and coolants.
- Application of simulation and modeling tools for the analysis and optimization of aerospace thermodynamic systems.
- Exploration of the limitations and challenges of thermodynamics in the design and operation of aircraft and spacecraft.
- Analysis of heat transfer and its impact on the performance of aerospace systems, including convection, conduction, and radiation.
- Identification of strategies to improve energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of air operations, such as the use of alternative fuels and innovative designs.
- Study of practical cases and examples of applications of thermodynamics in the aerospace industry, from engine design to cabin climate control.
- Familiarization with regulations and standards related to energy efficiency and sustainability in aviation.
6. Application of Thermodynamics in Aircraft Design and Analysis
6. Application of Thermodynamics in Aircraft Design and Analysis
- Understand the principles of thermodynamics applied to aircraft design.
- Analyze heat flow and its impact on the efficiency of aircraft systems.
- Evaluate the performance of aircraft engines using thermodynamic analysis.
- Study the relevant thermodynamic cycles in propulsion and auxiliary systems.
- Apply thermodynamic concepts to the simulation and optimization of aircraft components.
- Identify and mitigate the effects of temperature on the aircraft structure and systems.
- Use computational tools for the thermodynamic analysis of aircraft.
Who this program is for:
Aeronautical Thermodynamics Course
- Graduates in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related fields.
- Professionals in OEM rotorcraft/eVTOL, MRO, consulting, and technology centers.
- Flight Testing, certification, avionics, control, and dynamics seeking specialization.
- Regulators/authorities and UAM/eVTOL professionals requiring compliance skills.
Recommended requirements: foundation in aerodynamics and control and structures; ES/EN B2+/C1. We offer bridging tracks if you need them.
- Standards-driven curriculum: you will work with CS-27/CS-29, DO-160, DO-178C/DO-254, ARP4754A/ARP4761, ADS-33E-PRF from the first module.
- Accreditable laboratories (EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor bench, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibrations/acoustics.
- Evidence-oriented TFM: safety case, test plan, compliance dossierand operational limits.
- Mentored by industry: teachers with experience in rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
- Flexible modality (hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
- Ethics and security: safety-by-design approach, cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as pillars.
**Module 1 — Thermodynamic Fundamentals in Aeronautics**
1.1 Introduction to the basic concepts of thermodynamics: energy, heat, work, and temperature.
1.2 Laws of thermodynamics: First, Second, and Third Laws.
1.3 Thermodynamic properties: pressure, volume, enthalpy, entropy, and internal energy.
1.4 Thermodynamic systems: open, closed, and isolated.
1.5 Thermodynamic processes: isothermal, isobaric, isochoric, adiabatic, and polytropic.
1.6 Application of thermodynamics in aeronautical systems: internal combustion engines, gas turbines, and refrigeration systems.
1.7 Thermodynamic diagrams: P-V, T-S, and Mollier diagrams.
1.8 Ideal and real gases: equations of state.
1.9 Heat transfer: conduction, convection, and radiation. 1.10 Introduction to efficiency and thermodynamic performance.
2.2 Fundamentals of Thermodynamics: Key Concepts and Laws
2.2 Thermodynamic Properties of Pure Substances and Mixtures
2.3 Application of the First Law of Thermodynamics: Energy Balance
2.4 Application of the Second Law of Thermodynamics: Entropy and Exergy
2.5 Open and Closed Systems: Thermodynamic Analysis
2.6 Heat Transfer: Conduction, Convection, and Radiation
2.7 Thermodynamic Cycles: Fundamentals and Classification
2.8 Thermodynamics of Gases: Behavior and Equations of State
2.9 Application of Thermodynamics in Aviation Engines: Piston Engines
2.20 Application of Thermodynamics in Aviation Engines: Jet Engines
3.3 Introduction to Fundamental Principles
3.2 Laws of Thermodynamics Applied to Aeronautics
3.3 Thermodynamic Properties of Gases
3.4 Thermodynamic Cycles: Concepts and Applications
3.5 Analysis of Internal Combustion Engines
3.6 Heat Transfer in Aeronautical Systems
3.7 Thermodynamics of Jet Engines
3.8 Design and Analysis of Propulsion Systems
3.9 Specific Applications in Aerospace Engineering
3.30 Case Studies and Practical Examples
4.4 Jet Engine Fundamentals: Types and Main Components
4.2 Propulsion Principles: Thrust, Lift, and Drag
4.3 Thermodynamic Cycles in Jet Engines: Analysis and Design
4.4 Nozzle and Intake System Design: Efficiency and Performance
4.5 Combustion in Jet Engines: Process and Control
4.6 Turbines and Compressors: Design and Operation
4.7 Engine Control Systems (FADEC): Operation and Maintenance
4.8 Aviation Fuels: Types, Characteristics, and Storage
4.9 Common Failures and Preventive Maintenance in Jet Engines
4.40 Advances in Aircraft Propulsion: Next-Generation Engines
5.5 Thermodynamic Cycles in Aerospace Propulsion Systems
5.5 Cycle Analysis: Otto, Diesel, Brayton, and their Variations
5.3 Thermal and Volumetric Efficiency in Propulsion Systems
5.4 Modeling and Simulation of Thermodynamic Cycles
5.5 Design and Optimization of Jet Engines and Turbines
5.6 Heat Transfer in Aerospace Systems
5.7 Cooling and Thermal Management in Aircraft
5.8 Applications of Thermodynamics in the Design of Aerospace Components
5.9 Performance Analysis and Energy Efficiency Evaluation
5.50 Case Studies: Analysis of Thermodynamic Cycles in Different Aerospace Applications
6.6 Design and Analysis of Propulsion Systems in Fixed-Wing Aircraft
6.2 Selection and Analysis of Aircraft Engines: Turbines, Turboprops, and Piston Engines
6.3 Design of Intake and Exhaust Systems: Flow Optimization and Efficiency
6.4 Analysis of Thermodynamic Cycles Applied to Aircraft Engine Design
6.5 Engine Performance Simulation and Modeling: Software and Tools
6.6 Cooling and Thermal Control Systems in Aircraft
6.7 Design of Fuel and Lubrication Systems: Efficiency and Safety
6.8 Impact of Thermodynamics on Aerodynamics and Flight Performance
6.9 Evaluation of Energy Efficiency and Emission Reduction
6.60 Case Studies: Analysis of Specific Aircraft Designs
- Hands-on methodology: test-before-you-trust, design reviews, failure analysis, compliance evidence.
- Software (depending on licenses/partners): MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy/SciPy), OpenVSP, SU2/OpenFOAM, Nastran/Abaqus, AMESim/Modelica, acoustics tools, planning toolchains DO-178C.
- SEIUM Laboratories: scale rotor bench, vibrations/acoustics, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL for AFCS, data acquisition with strain gauging.
- Standards and compliance: EN 9100, 17025, ISO 27001, GDPR.
Capstone-type projects
Admissions, fees, and scholarships
- Profile: Background in Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or related fields; practical experience in NLP and valued information retrieval systems.
- Documentation: Updated CV, academic transcript, SOP/statement of purpose, project examples or code (optional).
- Process: Application → Technical evaluation of profile and experience → Technical interview → Review of case studies → Final decision → Enrollment.
- Fees:
- Single payment: 10% discount.
- Payment in 3 installments: No fees; 30% upon registration + 2 equal monthly payments of the remaining 35%.
Monthly payment: available with a 7% commission on the total; annual review.
Scholarships: based on academic merit, financial need, and promoting inclusion; agreements with companies in the sector for partial or full scholarships.
See “Calendar & Calls for Applications,” “Scholarships & Grants,” and “Fees & Financing” in the SEIUM mega-menu.
Do you have any questions?
Our team is ready to help you. Contact us, and we will respond as soon as possible.
F. A. Q
Frequently asked questions
Yes, we have international certification
Yes: experimental models, real data, applied simulations, professional environments, real case studies.
It is not mandatory. We offer leveling tracks and tutoring.
Completely. It covers e-propulsion, integration, and emerging regulations (SC-VTOL).
Recommended. There are also internal challenges and consortiums.
Yes. Online/hybrid modality with planned labs and visa support (see “Visa & Residence”).