ABSTRACT
The knowledge of thermochemistry and gas dynamics is essential for the understanding of rocket engine. This chapter reviews briefly the rudiments of thermochemistry and gas dynamics from the perspective of rocket engine. It also reviews the basics of classical thermodynamics, starting with its definition and its various terminologies. The first law of thermodynamics states that energy can be neither created nor destroyed but only transforms from one form to another. The second law of thermodynamics stipulates the direction of the process. The term "stoichiometry" literally means the measure of elements. The actual measured properties of solid and liquid substances can be used, which can be expressed in the form of the thermodynamic equation of state. In practical systems, reactive mixture involving more than one reaction is routinely encountered. A rocket engine does experience shock and expansion waves during its flight as it flies at supersonic speed.
