WHITWORTH EXHIBITIONER; ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL FELLOW OF THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF PATENT AGENTS; LECTURER ON STEAM AND THE STEAM ENGINE AT THE HEGINBOTTOM TECHNICAL PREFACE THAT the steam turbine is likely to be extensively used in the future is admitted by most engineers; but, although a good deal has lately been written about this type of engine, this literature has mostly consisted of descriptions of the principal features only, or of accounts of the results of tests. The author has endeavoured in this book to describe, not only the principal parts of the leading types of steam turbine, but also the small details which, in the case of this motor, have such a preponderating influence in determining success or failure. The theory of the action of the steam turbine is also treated of, and the subject is likewise dealt with historically. Comparisons have necessarily been made with the hydraulic turbine and with the reciprocating engine; but, with a view to extending the usefulness of the book, the author has assumed on the part of the reader no prior knowledge of the hydraulic turbine, and only an elementary knowledge of the reciprocating engine and of the laws of thermo-dynamics. With a like object in view the author has tried to make the mathematical reasoning as simple as possible. As entropy-temperature diagrams are not yet widely understood, a chapter on this subject has been given; but the matter has been treated as briefly as possible. The results of tests of steam turbines given throughout the book have been carefully selected with a view to obtaining the strictest accuracy. The author takes this opportunity of thanking the various individuals and firms who have given him information and assistance, and of expressing his indebtedness to Messrs. C. A. Parsons and Co., Newcastle-on-Tyne, and the Société de Laval of France for the loan of several blocks. 30, CROSS STREET, MANCHESTER, June, 1902. R. M. N. |