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Gas Turbine Engineering
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:22
Abstract
Gas turbines are used in various applications such as power generation, mechanical drive, jet engines and ship propulsion because they offer high efficiency, low emissions and flexibility. This course dives into the key engineering aspects associated with gas turbine design and operation.
Objective
Differentiate major gas turbine types, applications, and performance drivers. Perform engine cycle analysis and assess system integration and optimization strategies. Explore design and operation principles of compressors, combustors, and turbines, including emissions and cooling considerations. Evaluate materials, structural integrity, and failure mechanisms under high-temperature loading. Apply principles of control, monitoring, and rotor dynamics for reliable turbine operation.
Content
Gas Turbine Types and Applications • Gas turbine development and market evolution • Gas turbine types and applications Engine Integration and Performance • Engine cycle analysis and performance parameters • Process variants • System optimization and plant integration • Overview of gas turbine components Compressor • Aerodynamic principles of axial and centrifugal compressors • Performance characteristics, surge, and compressor maps • Effects of ambient conditions and strategies for power optimization Combustor and Fuels • Combustor architectures and requirements • Energy conversion and control of emissions • Combustion principles and flame stabilization • Fuel types and properties Turbine • Turbine aerodynamics and thermodynamics • Blade design, cooling methods, and materials • Modern high-efficiency turbine technologies Materials and Mechanical Integrity • High-temperature alloys and protective coatings • Stress, fatigue, and creep analysis • Thermal and mechanical loading interactions • Structural life assessment, inspection, maintenance, and failure prevention Auxiliary, Control, and Monitoring Systems • Auxiliary systems: lubrication, cooling, and bleed air management • Secondary air system design and integration • Control system architecture and engine management strategies • Sensors, actuators, data acquisition, diagnostics, and overall system reliability Rotor Dynamics • Fundamentals of rotor motion and vibration • Critical speeds, unbalance, and damping • Bearing and shaft design principles • Dynamic analysis and diagnostics
Resources
Lecture Notes
Online booklet of slides (Moodle).
Literature
Suggestions/recommendations for additional literature studies given in the script (for each individual chapter/topic).
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 60
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Gas Turbine Engineering |
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise | Gas Turbine Engineering |
|
1 h weekly |
Offered In
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Core Courses (The Core Courses in the Master’s program Mechanical Engineering listed below are indicative and include courses designed by the Department at the Master's level. With the approval of the tutor, students may also select Master's-level courses offered by other departments at ETH. These courses will be marked as non-regular in the LAG, but their categorization as Core Courses is possible if included in the approved LAG.)
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Electives (These courses are particularly recommended, other ETH-courses from the field of Energy Science and Technology at large may be chosen in accordance with your tutor.)
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Deep Track Courses (At least 20 credits must be completed within the deep track courses. Surplus credit points can be counted towards the electives.)
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Deep Track Aerospace Engineering (These courses can be credited either as a specialization subject or as an elective subject.)
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