Modern steam turbines utilize a design that incorporates impulse stages before reaction stages to optimize performance. The impulse stages are strategically placed first on the turbine rotor to increase the velocity of the steam, which initially enters the turbine at a low velocity. This design allows the subsequent reaction stages to effectively harness the higher velocity steam, enhancing overall efficiency. The nozzle design contributes to this process by dropping steam pressure and increasing velocity to supersonic levels.
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SteamKing said:When steam is first admitted into the turbine casing, it is traveling at relatively low velocity. The impulse stages are placed first on the turbine rotor so that the steam expanding thru them will increase in velocity, after which reaction stages can be used to take advantage of the now faster flowing steam.