Answered Where is the thrust block for the turbine's center shaft?

[Jeremy Pratt]

I have looked through the profiles and deck plan and do not see the thrust block for the turbine's center shaft. I see the main engine thrust blocks plainly marked. The turbine must have a thrust block especially being a very sensitive piece of hardware. Usually the thrust block isn't built into the turbine casing itself but if it is that would be a new design element to me.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Roger Southern]

The thrust block was forward of the turbine but within the housing. It was much less massive than the reciprocating engine blocks as it had only to take load in one direction and the backward force of the steam on the turbine blades was calculated to reduced this loading.

 

[Sec']

Reading Sennet's book I think I can elaborate on Roger's, correct, reply. The design of the turbine was made so that steam pressure acting on the end of the rotor 'dummy piston' position N on the diagram, equalled the thrust from the propeller. As said a tiny thrust block at position L made up any differences