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Turbinia
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Photographer:callen [ View profile ]
Title:Turbinia
Photo Category:Steam Ships (operating And Preserved)
Added:Aug 7, 2007
Views:2,023
Image Resolution:1,688 x 2,736
Description:
Built by Charles Algernon Parsons in 1894 to test steam turbine propulsion. Originally fitted with radial flow turbines but now fitted with 3 axial flow turbines driving 9 propellers. She was capable of 34.5 knots at 2000 rpm, 2000 hp and was quite the fastest thing on the water. She is preserved at the Discovery Centre in Newcastle-on-Tyne.
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Rob
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Each shaft carries 3 propellers in series.
Small diameter direct drive turbines need to revolve fast in order work with any degree of efficiency but conventional propellers cavitate and are inefficient at 2000 rpm or thereabouts. Charles Parsons did a lot of experimental work including the use of a special glass-fronted tank allowing him to photograph cavitation as it happened. He determined that Turbinia worked best with three small diameter propellers on each shaft. I have the photo to prove it.
Chris
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