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Basic Gas Turbine Rating » Basic Turbine Knowledge » Turbine Engine Types

64.4 Turbine Engine Types

64.4.2 Compare the working cycle of a turbine engine and a piston engine. 

              
Gas Turbine Engine Piston Engine
combustion occurs at a constant pressure occurs at a constant volume

induction, compression, combustion and exhaust occur continuously

induction, compression, combustion and exhaust occur intermittently
eliminates the three 'idle' strokes, thus enabling more fuel to be burnt in a shorter time only one stroke is utilized in the production of power

continuous action and is not enclosed so pressure is constant and volume increases

no continuous action and is enclosed so pressure rises and volume is constant
no peak or fluctuation pressures peak pressures in excess of 1,000 lb. per sq. in.
requires light fabricated combustion chambers requires cylinders of heavy construction
low octane fuels high octane fuels

64.4.4 Describe the comparative advantages of turbine engines versus piston engines for aircraft propulsion. 

Gas turbine engines

  • have the ability to develop more power for a given size.
  • are  lighter weight (better power to weight ratio).
  • are more compact, meaning less drag.
  • are more reliable, and
  • can use cheaper fuel (kerosene).

 

64.4.6 Describe the basic constructional arrangements of the following engine types- 

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