Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION TO GAS TURBINE ENGINES
1.1.
INTRODUCTION
This chapter introduces the theory and operating principles of
gas turbine engines. Gas turbine engines can be classified according
to the type of compressor used, the path the air takes through the
engine, and how the power produced is extracted or used. The chapter
is limited to the fundamental concepts of the three major classes of
turbine engines, each having the same principles of operation.
Chapter 1 is divided into three sections; the first discusses
the theory of turbine engines. The second section deals with
principles of operation, and section III covers the major engine
sections and their description.
Section I. Theory of Gas Turbine Engines
1.2.
GENERAL
Section I covers the laws of physics and fundamentals
pertaining to the theory of jet propulsion. The gas turbine engines
used to power Army aircraft are turboshaft powerplants. The energy
produced drives the power shaft. Energy is generated by burning the
fuelair mixture in the engine and accelerating the gas tremendously.
These highvelocity gases are directed through turbine wheels which
convert the axial movement of the gas to a rotary motion. This
rotary power is used to drive a powershaft, which drives a propeller
or a rotor transmission.
1.3.
LAWS OF MOTION
The theory of gas turbine engines is based on the laws and
principles of physics discussed in the subparagraphs that follow.
Newton's First Law of Motion. The first law states that a
body in a state of rest remains at rest, and a body in motion tends
to remain in motion at a constant speed and in a straight line,
unless acted upon by some external force.
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