Technological Trend of Aircraft Gas Turbines and its Effect on the Development for Ship Propulsion Plants
The effect of the main design parameters of the aero gas turbine engine cycle, namely combustion temperature and compression pressure ratio, on the specific performance values is discussed. The resulting development trend has been of essential influence on the technology. Relevant approaches are outlined. The efforts relating to weight and manufacturing expense are also indicated. In the design of aero gas turbine engines increasing consideration is given to the specific flight mission requirements, such as for instance by the introduction of the by-pass principle. Therefore direct application of aero gas turbine engines for ship propulsion without considerable modifications, as has been practiced in the past, is not considered very promising for the future. Nevertheless, there are possibilities to take advantage of aero gas turbine engine developments for ship propulsion systems. Appropriate approaches are discussed. With the experience obtained from aero gas turbine engines that will enter service in the early seventies it should be possible to develop marine gas turbine engines achieving consumptions and lifes that are competitive with those of advanced diesel units.