Gas Turbines By: Katie Steddenbenz

How they work Energy is added to the gas stream Combustion increases the temperature, velocity, and volume of the gas flow Turbine rotates, powering the compressor Energy is then extracted in the form of shaft power, compressed air and thrust

Brayton Cycle Gas turbines are described thermodynamically by the Brayton cycle In this cycle: air is compressed isentropically combustion occurs at constant pressure heated air expands through the turbine heat is rejected into the atmosphere

Advantages of gas turbine engines Very high power-to-weight ratio More size efficient Moves in one direction only, with fewer moving parts Low operating pressures High operation speeds Low lubricating oil cost and consumption

Disadvantages of gas turbine engines More expensive compared to a similar-sized reciprocating engine More complex machining operations Usually less efficient than reciprocating engines, especially at idle Delayed response to changes in power settings

Questions?