How gas turbine engines power modern aircraft

¶ … turbine engine works.

Aircraft depend upon a number of complicated parts in order to remain aloft. It is interesting to look at how the turbine engine works on the planes of today.

The Turbine's Job gas turbine is spun by using a pressurized gas, and this pressured gas is created when a flammable substance such as jet fuel is burned by the gas turbine engine. When the fuel is burnt, the surrounding air expands and generates heat. As the hot air quickly moves through the engine, it spins the turbine, creating energy.

Parts of the Turbine Engine gas turbine engine concept is simple, and consists of three main parts: the compressor, the combustion area and the turbine.

The compressor is responsible for creating high pressure by compressing the air as it enters the engine. The combustion area creates a high-pressure gas by burning the fuel, and as this gas leaves the combustion chamber, energy is extracted by the turbine.

Compressor

The compressor contains blades which pull air in from the right side of the engine. Helicopters use an axial-flow turbine to drive their rotors, which contains a cone-shaped compressor.

Turbine

The turbine is located on the left side of the engine. When there are two turbines, the first one is responsible for driving the compressor. The compressor, shaft, and turbines turn as one. The function of the last turbine, which is located on the far left side, is to drive the output shaft. This unit is not connected to, and works independent of, the engine.

Turbofan Engines

Turbofan engines, which are used by large aircraft, are turbine engines with a huge fan attached to their front which creates thrust. In these engines, the fan is driven by a shaft during the last phase. As well as the fan turbine, there can be two independent stages of compression in large turbofans, each with its own turbine, and all operating together,

Additional Parts

Within the three basic parts, there are additional items necessary for the function of the engine. These parts include the bearings, internal support structures, and oiling systems, which are can be adversely affected by the high pressures and temperatures inside the engine.

Conclusion

The gas turbine engine is actually a simple device that is capable of producing enough power to run a tank. The engine produces thrust, which drives the aircraft forward and keeps it aloft. Turbine engines are commonly used in commercial aircraft, however they use a large amount of fuel while idling, making them too expensive to place in today's automobiles.