Difference Between Impulse and Reaction Turbine

see:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbine

The difference has to do with the direction of flow of the motive fluid. Wikipedia gives a very good description of the difference, with pictures...

Hi irshy84,

Depending on how simple or complicated you need to have it to fully understand but this may be a start;

If you look at it from the mechanics of the blade configurations rather than the aerodynamics vector diagrams:

In an impulse turbine, the force that moves the blades is a result of the steam striking the blades. This force is known as an impulse. As the steam passes through the nozzle, all of its pressure potential energy is converted to linear kinetic energy. Then as the steam passes through the rotor blades, all of its linear kinetic energy is converted to rotational kinetic energy.

In a reaction turbine, the force that moves the blades is a result of the blades changing the direction of the steam's flow. This force is known as a reaction force. As the steam passes through the nozzle, some of its pressure potential energy is converted to linear kinetic energy. Then as the steam passes through the rotor blades, all of its remaining pressure potential energy and all of its linear kinetic energy is converted to rotational kinetic energy.

Does this help for your needs?

Yes this is a very good way to configure it out with no scientific theory.

If you are looking for a way to visually identify the two types of turbines, I have been in the business for over 50 years and would be hard pressed to look at a turbine blade and tell you if it were reaction or impulse.

If you are looking for the simplest explaination of the different effects, I think of impulse as water running downhill and pushing on a cup type bucket, for reaction I think of inflating a baloon and letting it go the kickback effect is the reaction.

I guess the question is where are you at between these two knowledge levels?