The Steam Turbine
The steam turbine extracts power from steam by spinning bladed rotors, delivering smooth high-speed rotation. It became the dominant way to generate electricity and to propel large ships.
Attribution — Built up over time by many contributors, often across different regions.
Charles Parsons invented the modern multi-stage reaction turbine (1884), while Gustaf de Laval independently developed the impulse turbine in Sweden around the same time. The two turbine types were developed in parallel.
What counts as the invention: Parsons' reaction turbine and de Laval's impulse turbine are distinct, parallel inventions of the same era.
Contributors
Historical impact
Steam turbines made large-scale electricity generation and fast ocean liners possible.
Modern relevance
Most of the world's electricity is still generated by steam turbines (in thermal and nuclear plants).
Built on
Sources & further reading
Each citation names the publisher and the exact reference title.
- Encyclopædia Britannica — technology & biography topic articlesEncyclopædia Britannica · Encyclopedia
- ASME Historic Mechanical Engineering LandmarksAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers · Professional body
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