Full-Scale Tesla Turbine Disc Layout
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Mike Kirney
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Full-Scale Tesla Turbine Disc Layout
Working off one of Tesla's patent drawings, I calculated some proportions and simplified construction enough that I can actually build this thing. For a technological genius, he wasn't much one for geometry. It would take me weeks to make it his way with all those star-shaped washers and that keyed shaft. The hex shaft is 1" across the flats and the holes are 13/32nds of an inch in diameter. I have copyrighted this design, so if you want to make a circle with a hexagon in the middle, from now on you gotta call me first!
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paul skinner
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You might be interested in this book. I bought mine on ebay....
by W. M. J. Cairns
"This book describes the concept of the Disc Turbine as originally patented by Nicola Tesla, and provides concept designs for modern versions of the engine, incorporating the Disc Turbine as a power unit for applications in Automobiles and Light Aircraft, and also give descriptions of the original Turbines and the prototype machines.
It also provides designs for other machines operating on the principle of a disc turbine: an Air Compressor, an Air Motor, and a Vacuum Exhauster. The facility of the principle to operate in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction of rotation, in a single machine, using only a two-way valve, is described, and applications where this feature can be applied to advantage are suggested.
Data is given on the performances attained by the original engines, together with stress and performance information.
Finally, we give a design for a modernised version of the original turbine, to one half scale, complete with working drawings and manufacturing instructions to enable the model or experimental engineer to construct a fully operational engine, using such tools and equipment as are usually available to model makers."
It should be apparent that this dry foreword written by the author sounds like the abstract of a paper published in a professional engineering journal. That's because the author IS an engineer who has a number of published papers. Cairns is no novice. He knows what he's talking about.
Chapters include: Tesla's original machine * The Disc Turbine Operating Principle * The first experimental Turbine * The 9.75 in. Disc Prototype Turbine * Larger Turbines to 60 in. disc diameter * Future developments * Other Rotary Engines * The Automotive Disc Turbine * Air Compressor, Vacuum Pump, Air Motor, Light Aircraft Engines * The Dual Direction Facility * Stresses in the discs and performance calculations * Building a model Disc Turbine * Drawings for a model Disc Turbine
Since this is a 36 page "booklet" each "chapter" is necessarily short. But what you DO get is loaded with valuable information. Remember this is written by an engineer who is interested in getting results.
The last nine pages are dedicated to the model with six pages of detailed, dimensioned drawings.
"...The model described is approximately one half the size of the original Tesla unit, but uses present-day materials and techniques... Required machine tools are a lathe, with a 3.5" centre height, ideally with a milling attachment, and circular table, a bench drill, micrometer or vernier, and conventional hand tools..." (metric dimensions are used)
From the testing section: "Run for no more than two minutes, stop, check the housing temperature. If cool to slightly warm, re-open the valve and continue running. At around 1.75 bar and 1.5 cfm, the turbine will attain a shaft speed of 20,000 R.P.M. At all times ensure a supply of oil to the bearings, and continually monitor the housing temperature. It should be noted that the prototype attained a speed of approximately 50,000 R.P.M. under no-load conditions; hence it is advised that a brake or dynometer be provided on the shaft."
Unusual information. Well illustrated. I wish it were longer, but it's still worth every penny just as it is. Get a copy! 8-1/2 x 11 booklet 34 pages From England. Price may change without notice due to changes in currency exchange rates.
No. 1534 ... $8.95
http://www.lindsaybks.com/bks5/tturb/
by W. M. J. Cairns
"This book describes the concept of the Disc Turbine as originally patented by Nicola Tesla, and provides concept designs for modern versions of the engine, incorporating the Disc Turbine as a power unit for applications in Automobiles and Light Aircraft, and also give descriptions of the original Turbines and the prototype machines.
It also provides designs for other machines operating on the principle of a disc turbine: an Air Compressor, an Air Motor, and a Vacuum Exhauster. The facility of the principle to operate in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction of rotation, in a single machine, using only a two-way valve, is described, and applications where this feature can be applied to advantage are suggested.
Data is given on the performances attained by the original engines, together with stress and performance information.
Finally, we give a design for a modernised version of the original turbine, to one half scale, complete with working drawings and manufacturing instructions to enable the model or experimental engineer to construct a fully operational engine, using such tools and equipment as are usually available to model makers."
It should be apparent that this dry foreword written by the author sounds like the abstract of a paper published in a professional engineering journal. That's because the author IS an engineer who has a number of published papers. Cairns is no novice. He knows what he's talking about.
Chapters include: Tesla's original machine * The Disc Turbine Operating Principle * The first experimental Turbine * The 9.75 in. Disc Prototype Turbine * Larger Turbines to 60 in. disc diameter * Future developments * Other Rotary Engines * The Automotive Disc Turbine * Air Compressor, Vacuum Pump, Air Motor, Light Aircraft Engines * The Dual Direction Facility * Stresses in the discs and performance calculations * Building a model Disc Turbine * Drawings for a model Disc Turbine
Since this is a 36 page "booklet" each "chapter" is necessarily short. But what you DO get is loaded with valuable information. Remember this is written by an engineer who is interested in getting results.
The last nine pages are dedicated to the model with six pages of detailed, dimensioned drawings.
"...The model described is approximately one half the size of the original Tesla unit, but uses present-day materials and techniques... Required machine tools are a lathe, with a 3.5" centre height, ideally with a milling attachment, and circular table, a bench drill, micrometer or vernier, and conventional hand tools..." (metric dimensions are used)
From the testing section: "Run for no more than two minutes, stop, check the housing temperature. If cool to slightly warm, re-open the valve and continue running. At around 1.75 bar and 1.5 cfm, the turbine will attain a shaft speed of 20,000 R.P.M. At all times ensure a supply of oil to the bearings, and continually monitor the housing temperature. It should be noted that the prototype attained a speed of approximately 50,000 R.P.M. under no-load conditions; hence it is advised that a brake or dynometer be provided on the shaft."
Unusual information. Well illustrated. I wish it were longer, but it's still worth every penny just as it is. Get a copy! 8-1/2 x 11 booklet 34 pages From England. Price may change without notice due to changes in currency exchange rates.
No. 1534 ... $8.95
http://www.lindsaybks.com/bks5/tturb/
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Bruno Ogorelec
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Tesla turbine in real life
I have heard of a company manufacturing portable (well, truckable) power generators powered by a Tesla turbine. Does anyone know who they are and how they fare on the market?
For some reason (if I remember right) they do not call it a Tesla turbine but something else, like a disc turbine or something like that.
Maybe they want to avoid the stigma that has become attached to the Tesla name, which has attracted cranks and kooks and fanatics of every sort. These days it is as bad as the black helicopters and alien abduction.
Bruno
For some reason (if I remember right) they do not call it a Tesla turbine but something else, like a disc turbine or something like that.
Maybe they want to avoid the stigma that has become attached to the Tesla name, which has attracted cranks and kooks and fanatics of every sort. These days it is as bad as the black helicopters and alien abduction.
Bruno