The Historical Evolution Of Turbomachinery.

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive treatise of the antecedents, evolution, developments, and inventions relating to turbomachinery from early paddle wheels to modern turbojets emphasizing the constant challenge, failures, and problems faced by engineers as they strived toward developing higher performance turbomachinery. Both normal technology and radical innovations are covered. Radical innovations or technologies are those that allow quantum leaps in turbomachinery technology. Particular emphasis is paid to the turbojet revolution that occurred before and during the Second World War, which ended the dominance of the reciprocating engine for aircraft propulsion and spurred technological advancements, leading to today’s advanced turbomachines.