Gas Turbine Engine Overview

A set of Question-and-Answer flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on gas turbine engines.

What is another name for a gas turbine engine and how does it generate thrust?

It is also known as the jet engine; thrust is produced by rapidly pushing air out the back, resulting in forward motion per Newton's third law.

Which physical law explains how a gas turbine engine produces thrust?

Newton's third law of motion: for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Which gas turbine engine type does not primarily generate thrust by moving air out the back?

Turboprop; it uses a propeller to generate thrust rather than expelling air rearward.

Who demonstrated early gas turbine principles with the Aeolipile?

Hero, the ancient Greek scientist.

What is the Aeolipile and what principle does it illustrate?

A sphere-like device where steam jets cause rotation; illustrates action-reaction principles of early gas turbine concepts.

When and where did the first jet-powered aircraft fly?

1939, over Germany.

When did the first jet-powered airliner fly and what was it called?

1952, the Comet.

What are the five basic components of a gas turbine engine core?

Intake, compressor, combustion chamber, turbine, and exhaust.

What is the function of the intake in a gas turbine engine?

Directs air into the engine's core.

What does the compressor do in a gas turbine engine?

It compresses the air, raising its temperature and pressure.

What happens in the combustion chamber?

Fuel is injected and ignited; combustion becomes self-sustained and produces hot exhaust gases.

What is the role of the turbine in a gas turbine engine?

Hot exhaust gases turn turbine blades, which drive the compressor via a shaft.

Why do gas turbine engines generate such large thrust?

Because a very large mass of air passes through the engine, allowing a huge thrust.

How do exhaust gases create thrust?

They exit the back of the engine; the reaction to expelling gas rearward pushes the aircraft forward.

How do gas turbine engine operations differ from a piston engine's four-stroke cycle?

Functions occur continuously in different parts of the engine rather than being sequential in a single cylinder.