After some years with the previous head picture, I think the time is ripe for a more exciting one. Here my AiResearch GTP30-67 is shown during a delayed start. Since the ignition system fires approximately once a second, there might be fuel-air mist of one second injection time trapped inside the combustor and exhaust volute. When the engine finally lights up, this burning cloud of kerosine vapor is ejected through the exhaust diffuser as a bright ball of fire.

Attention: Since this site has grown quite big during the last two years it became more an more difficult for the visitors to keep track of all the extensions. So I started a “News” page on 06/22/2002 to give a history of these extensions.

This site is dedicated to my work on gas turbines.

My main intention is to learn as much as possible about these fascinating engines and of course, to have fun. Maybe one day, if time will permit, I’ll build a turbine-powered ultralight aircraft.

Though it is quite easy to get a simple gas turbine running, the danger inherent to these devices must not be underestimated. You will encounter red-hot metal surfaces, components spinning at speeds in excess of 100000rpm, explosive gas-air mixtures and high-tension ignition systems generating several thousand volts.
So, if anyone should intend to build or use any kind of gas turbine, they should be aware of what they doing. I won’t be liable for any damage, injury or even fatality that may result from building or operating devices as per the information given throughout this web site.

And now tiny me and some funny pictures:

That’s me in front of my latest project ;-)

Actually this picture was taken on 05/23/2001 on a beautyful day when I did a trip to Speyer in an ultralight aircraft to visit the “Technikmuseum” that is only a walk of 15 minutes away from the airfield. They’ve got an Antonov AN22 on exposition, the world’s largest turboprop aircraft. It is propelled by four turboprops, each one producing 15,000hp and driving two counter-rotating properllers of 6m diameter. HUGE!

This rotor on display is the low pressure turbine rotor from a large powerplant. It is nearly 6m in diameter and flows about 600kg/s of steam that enters at a pressure of 10bar. This rotor produces a power of 1.2GW! Would be really fun to play with - just carrying around would be a little difficult at a weight of about 10 tons ;-).

These two pictures I simply had to show here! They show the same compressor spool, though I don’t know which engine this originated from. Diameter is approx. 50-60cm. I really don’t know why they painted the sealing faces between the vanes in Germany’s national colours.

Obviously the colours don’t bother this inhabitant who chose this unusual place to raise a family ;-).

This page contains a LOT of pictures, so please be patient while loading. If someone is interested in larger pictures or more information, she or he is welcome to ask.

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