Combustion Sustained: Starter Motor Torque/Inertia Selection

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In selecting a starter motor for a gas turbine, it is crucial to determine whether the minimum torque or inertia needed to overcome is that of the compressor, the turbine, or both. The gearbox is essential for initiating the engine start by spinning the shaft, which also requires consideration of the torque needed to move air through the blades. Initially, the starter motor primarily assists the compressor, as it must be operational to facilitate combustion. Once the combustion process begins and the turbine starts moving, it then drives the compressor, making the system self-sustaining. The discussion highlights the complexities and interdependencies in gas turbine design, often laced with sarcasm regarding the perceived simplicity of jet engine engineering.
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In selecting starter motor for a gas turbine, which minimum torque or inertia is it supposed to overcome, it that of the compressor or the turbine, or both.
 
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I would assume it would be the turbine. The gearbox would play an important role in getting the engine started.
 
If you're spinning the shaft to start it, then you'll obviously need something to spin the shaft...the whole thing. In addition to that, the blades will be moving air, so that will increase the torque required.
 
I would assume once the shaft is spinning at a moderate speed and the gas is let out to the combustor, the process becomes self sustaining?
 
Oh yea. Jet engines are super easy to design. You'll be adding a high-pressure spool in a month.

edit: I should add this post may contain extreme levels of sarcasm.
 
I assume starter motor are predominantly for compressors (even though turbine is attached from a coomon shaft) ; because after combustion start turbine start to move & carryout combustion one must move compressor such that air is sucked & compressed to combustor. However once process is self-sustained its the opposite; turbine movement causes compressor to move!
 
Due to the constant never ending supply of "cool stuff" happening in Aerospace these days I'm creating this thread to consolidate posts every time something new comes along. Please feel free to add random information if its relevant. So to start things off here is the SpaceX Dragon launch coming up shortly, I'll be following up afterwards to see how it all goes. :smile: https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacex/
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