Assignment 2

Q1. Derive the expression for the degree of reaction in a turbine.

Hint: Degree of reaction is the ratio of the change in velocity of the fluid across the rotor to
the total change in velocity across the stage.

Q2. A turbine operates at a pressure ratio of 3.5 and an inlet temperature of 500°C. The
exit velocity is 300 m/s and the blade angle is 30°. Determine the degree of reaction
of the turbine stage.
Hint: Use the velocity triangle to determine the inlet velocity and the change in velocity
across the rotor.

Q3. Explain the internal losses that occur in a steam turbine.

Hint: Internal losses include nozzle losses, blade friction losses, disc friction losses, blade
windage losses or partial admission losses, gland leakage or clearance losses, leaving velocity
or residual loss, and carryover losses.

Q4. A turbine stage has an inlet pressure of 4 MPa and an inlet temperature of 500°C. The
exit pressure is 1 MPa and the degree of reaction is 0.5. Determine the blade height
required for the stage if the rotor speed is 3000 rpm.
Hint: Use the blade height formula for an impulse-reaction turbine stage.

Q5. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a Parsons turbine.

Hint: Advantages include higher efficiency due to lower internal losses and simpler blade
design. Disadvantages include lower blade height and more complicated manufacturing
process.

Q6. A steam turbine has two stages, with the first stage having a gross efficiency of 85%
and the second stage having a gross efficiency of 90%. If the steam enters the first
stage at 4 MPa and 500°C and leaves the second stage at 0.1 MPa, determine the
overall efficiency of the turbine.
Hint: Use the stage efficiency formula to determine the actual work done in each stage, then
use the actual work done in the second stage to determine the overall work done by the
turbine.