About

Dr. David Reese is the director of the propulsion department at The Aerospace Corporation. He graduated from USC with a B.S. in Astronautical Engineering in 2009, and received an M.S. and a Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue University in 2011 and 2014, respectively. He has authored numerous technical publications in leading scientific and engineering journals, and presented research at domestic and international conferences.

Courses

ASTE 571: Solid Rocket Propulsion

This course focuses on advanced topics in solid rocket motor design and technology. Students will derive the fundamental equations for internal ballistics and apply them to solid rocket motor performance prediction simulations. Real-world effects will be discussed, including erosive burning, scale factors, and spatial performance variations. Chemical fundamentals of homogeneous and heterogeneous propellant ingredients, chemistry, and formula design will be presented and used as a basis for understanding modern propellant combustion models. Formula design considerations beyond pure performance will also be examined, including propellant grain structural integrity, processing, and aging effects. Design of motor components will be covered, providing a holistic view of solid rocket motor systems. Finally, considerations for rocket motor testing and performance validation will be discussed. Homework and exams will focus on solid rocket motor design, testing, failure analysis, and system integration.