Question about the turbine of a turbopump

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the design and function of a turbopump, specifically focusing on the turbine's configuration and its relationship with the gas generator. The turbine consists of a high-pressure (HP) turbine and a low-pressure (LP) turbine, with the gas entering through a torus-shaped pipe. The exhaust is directed towards a Laval nozzle, which is designed to accelerate the gas efficiently. The participant confirms the accuracy of the turbine's design and its operational principles, particularly the characteristics of the nozzle that enhance performance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of turbopump mechanics
  • Familiarity with rocket propulsion systems
  • Knowledge of fluid dynamics, particularly compressible flow
  • Basic principles of thermodynamics as applied to gas expansion
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the design and function of turbopumps in rocket engines
  • Study the principles of Laval nozzles and their role in propulsion
  • Explore the differences between high-pressure and low-pressure turbines
  • Investigate the historical use of turbopumps in the Saturn V rocket
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, propulsion specialists, and students of rocket technology will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in turbopump design and efficiency in rocket propulsion systems.

Olaf Willocx
I found this illustration of a turbopump.

mark-3-jupiter-tp-cut-away.jpg


I need to know if my intuitive sense is correct here.

So, the turbine is located at the bottom right. The gas coming from the gas generator is fed into the torus shaped pipe on the left of the two turbine blades. First there is the HP turbine, the thin one. Then there's the LP turbine, the wide one. The exhaust then goes to a Laval nozzle or so to accelerate the rocket some more.

Now, I notice that the opening is shaped just like a Laval nozzle. At first the gas coming from the pipe is compressed as the opening gets narrower. Then there appears to be a throat, where M=1. Now the opening diverges, and speeds up to make the turbine more efficient.

Is all of this true?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Olaf Willocx said:
I found this illustration of a turbopump.
I'm pretty sure that turbopump was used on some of the engines that made up the Saturn V .... :muscle:
Olaf Willocx said:
Is all of this true?
I don't think this is quite right... ?
The exhaust then goes to a Laval nozzle or so to accelerate the rocket some more.
I could be wrong, though, so you can look at some links...
Here ...
Here ...
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 62 ·
3
Replies
62
Views
30K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
13K
Replies
3
Views
7K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Poll Poll
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
10K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
8K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
5K
Replies
4
Views
10K