🔍 Key Concepts

• Basic flow path of a gas turbine propulsion system (compressor → combustor → turbine → exhaust) • Difference between producing hot, high-energy gas and extracting usable shaft power • Role of a power turbine versus a compressor turbine in marine applications

💭 Think About

• Which component is physically connected to the main reduction gear and propeller shaft in a typical marine gas turbine layout? • Which parts mainly add energy to the working fluid, and which parts mainly take energy out to do mechanical work? • What happens to the energy that leaves the exhaust — is it normally used directly for turning the propulsion shaft?

✅ Before You Answer

• Be clear on which component is actually on the same mechanical train as the propeller shaft • Separate in your mind the gas generator section (compressor + combustor + turbine that drives the compressor) from the free turbine section that drives the load • Verify which option describes the component whose purpose is to convert gas energy into rotational shaft power for propulsion