New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-12
TURBINES IN THE NAVY.

a board OF experts appointed to consider the
adaptability of the steam turbine to service in
the United States Navy has Just reported. The
two principal types known in this country, the
Parsons and the Curtis engines, were carefully
studied Though it was not possible 10 clear
up all of the questions which such an investi-
cation involved, a generally favorable conclu-
sion was reached. The board advises that tur-
bines be tried one more kinds Of vessel.
1t seems probable that this recommendation
will be followed. Nothing like general adop-
ton of the new form of motor is proposed, but
merely such a modest venture as will more
fully reveal its merits. England, the first coun-
try to use the turbine for the propulsion of tor
pedo boats, is about to experiment with it on a
cruiser. The Amethyst, which will be the pio-
neer in that line of experiment, was launched
last month, and she is to be equipped with
turbine capable of developing $500 horsepower.
Germany has already ordered two such engines,
one of 5000 horsepower, for a torpedo boat
and the other of twice that capacity, for a
cruiser Hence similar action by America can
hardly be called premature
One notable point of difference exists between
the turbines examined by the advisory board of
the United States government and those now
in service abroad and ordered for the new ves-
sells just mentioned. Although each of these
ders of the latter are placed side by side, and
the rotation of three parallel shafts Is thereby
effected. The Parsons engine that was tested
for the American navy is in service in West
ern electric railway powerhOuse, and its two
cylinders are arranged tandem. 1t is thus made
possible to concentrate the whole output of the
engine on a single Shaft. The Curtis turbine is
constructed on the same general plan. The
yacht Revolution has two shafts and two
screws, but she also has two complete and In
dependent engines Each Of the latter has two
cylinders and these are adjusted end to end.
For small naval vessels or passenger steamers
it probably does not matter much whether the
tandem or parallel system is followed. The sit
uation is different large and fast cruisers
and on big ocean liners The application Of the
whole power OF engine to a single shaft is
there apparently necessary. Hence the choice
made by the American government will be
watched with interest. Should the tandem ar
rangement be considered both desirable and ex-
pedient, this country may be able TO show the
rest of the world something that has not been
seen before.
Disappointment may be felt when one Of the
American naval boards statements is conSid-
cred. The impression has been conveyed by
Mr. Parsons or his friends that the turbine oc-
cupies much less space than the reciprocating
engine AS observed in this country, the new
type of motor does not justify that expectation.
improvements may be effected in that respect,
but it is not yet safe to claim much. Even the
reduction In weight is put in about the ratio
of to ). On the question of steam economy
it is not possible to make positive statement,
either Nevertheless, there can be no doubt
about the greater simplicity OF the turbine
mechanism, the diminished need Of repairs and
the absence of noise and vibration that attend
its use. If other things were merely equal these
virtues might be regarded weighty enough to
turn the scales in favor of the innovation.
Naval authorities on both sides of the Atlantic
will doubtless profit by the pending inquiry of
the Cunard commission into the relative merits
of the two types of engine. The experts who
are conducting the investigation will unques-
tionably go into the matter pretty thoroughly
Actual tests and observations, with Channel
boats equipped after the rival systems. ought
not to require more than few weeks. That
the results will be published promptly, however,
is by no means certain. 1t may be deemed wise
for political or military reasons not to print
many details Immediately. At any rate, the
United States has no occasion TO wait for fur.