What happens in reaction turbines regarding pressure?

In reaction turbines, a pressure drop occurs throughout both the moving and stationary blades. This is a fundamental characteristic of how these turbines operate. The design allows for the extraction of energy from a fluid as it moves through the turbine, where both the pressure and kinetic energy of the fluid are converted into mechanical energy.

When fluid flows into the turbine, it passes through a series of stationary blades that guide the flow and create a pressure drop. As the fluid then enters the moving blades, it experiences an additional pressure drop. The combined effect of these pressure drops allows the turbine to harness the energy from the fluid's movement effectively.

This pressure drop is crucial for the efficient operation of a reaction turbine, as it influences the velocity and energy transfer between the turbine blades and the working fluid. Understanding this pressure behavior is essential for predicting how a reaction turbine will perform under varying operational conditions and for ensuring optimal design and efficiency.