de Laval turbine
Quick Summary
The de Laval turbine, pioneered by Swedish inventor Carl Gustaf Patrik de Laval, is a type of impulse steam turbine. It operates by directing high-velocity steam through a divergent nozzle onto blades attached to a rotor. This process converts the thermal energy of the steam into rotational motion.123
Key innovations by de Laval include the development of the divergent nozzle for steam delivery and a flexible shaft to manage high-speed rotation. These advancements were crucial for the efficient operation of steam turbines, which have become vital for generating electricity and powering large ships. Benoît Fourneyron, a French inventor, is credited with developing the first water turbine in 1827.1234
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