What are the three types of turbine blades?

The three types of turbine blades are commonly classified as impulse, reaction, and impulse-reaction. Each type has distinct operational principles and applications in gas turbine engines, which are crucial for understanding their function.

Impulse blades convert the kinetic energy of steam or gas into mechanical energy through a change in direction. The flow of the working fluid impacts the blades at an angle, which generates torque on the rotor and allows for the conversion of energy.

Reaction blades operate based on the principle of changing the pressure of the working fluid, which results in thrust as the fluid expands through the blades. These blades are designed such that the fluid accelerates as it passes through, contributing to the rotational motion of the turbine.

The term "impulse-reaction" refers to a hybrid design that combines elements of both impulse and reaction principles. This type of turbine blade takes advantage of the kinetic effects of impulse blades while also utilizing the pressure differential features of reaction blades, resulting in improved efficiency and performance.

Understanding these classifications helps in recognizing how each blade type harnesses fluid dynamics principles to generate energy, which is fundamental in the study of turbine engine technology.