Joe E. Dodson said the following to MIKE ROSS on the subject of
Re: ENGINE DESIGN (21 Oct 97  10:57:45)
 MR>You aren't comparing these fairly. It's not the same power level at all.
 JED> It is not a matter of size. It is a matter of design. Whether you are
 JED> making 50HP or 50,000HP isn't the problem. Turbines run at VERY high
 JED> rpm. This requires the use of "exotic" materials to stand the stresses
 JED> involved.
Yes, it is precisely a matter of size. A smaller turbine has a smaller
rotor which can be made much more robust or instead use commoner alloys.
There's no question the design really does depend on the power rating.
Here are some advantages of turbines over reciprocating engines as
described in literature I've skimmed through:
- fewer working parts (no valves, pistons, connecting rods)
- higher reliability
- lower maintenance cost
- less lubrication required (minimal axle support)
- wider temperature tolerance
- absence of vibration
- less overall noise
- less attention needed to operate
- lower moment of inertia
- capable of absorbing larger shocks
- higher overload tolerance
- wider variety of usable fuels
- higher fuel economy (except at low speed)
 Mike
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