How Do Impulse and Reaction Turbines Utilize Fluid Mechanics Principles?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the principles of fluid mechanics as they apply to impulse and reaction turbines. Participants explore the physics underlying these turbines, particularly focusing on the analysis of pressure, velocity, and work done on the rotor using fluid mechanics concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in understanding the physics of turbines, particularly the transition from Newtonian mechanics to fluid mechanics principles for reaction turbines.
  • The same participant notes that while impulse turbines can be analyzed using Newton's second law, reaction turbines require a different approach that incorporates fluid mechanics concepts.
  • Another participant asserts that Bernoulli's equation cannot be applied in this context because work is being done by the fluid.
  • A third participant provides a reference to a thread containing sample thermodynamic calculations related to how steam velocity is converted into work.
  • Additionally, a participant suggests a book that may provide further insights into gas turbine propulsion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the applicability of Bernoulli's equation to reaction turbines, indicating a disagreement on this point. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to analyze the fluid mechanics of turbines.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of treating turbines as a "black box" in fluid flow analysis, which may limit the understanding of the underlying mechanics. The discussion also reflects a reliance on different interpretations of fluid mechanics principles and their application to turbine analysis.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and professionals interested in fluid mechanics, turbine design, and the application of thermodynamics in engineering contexts.

hihiip201
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Hi all:I have a question regarding the fluid mechanics of turbine, both impulse and reaction turbines.

I have searched many sites , including my fluid mechanic textbook, and yet I still don't quite understand the physics behind a turbine.Impulse turbine is a bit easier to understand as I can use plain Newtonian mechanics (2nd law) to understand the transfer of energy and momentum.

But for a reaction turbine, although it is essentially Newton's third Law, I am stuck on how to analysis the pressure, velocity and work done on the rotor using strictly fluid mechanics principles (Bernoulli equation etc). I am fully aware that they are still just Newtonian's mechanics, but I would like to understand it in terms of fluid mechanics concepts - and then relate it back to Newtonian's mechanics.

When I took fluid mechanics , all we were taught is to treat the turbine in a fluid flow a "black box" the exert a force in the fluid flow going past it when using Navier Stoke's equation because my professor was more concern with us knowing the idea of the integral and differential momentum equations.
thank you
 
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You can't use Bernoulli's equation. Work is being done by the fluid.
 

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