Gas Turbines Versus Steam Reliability Analysis for a Warship Propulsion Plant

Abstract

Methods of mathematical analysis are reviewed for defining and numerically computing the reliability of warship propulsion systems. Experimental analysis is made of a twin-screw all-gas-turbine plant design for a small warship and the results are compared with computed figures previously published for a geared-steam-turbine plant. It is apparent that relatively simple arrangement of components in subsystems is an inherent advantage of the gas turbine plant from the reliability standpoint and that this type of plant has a potential for high reliability. The analysis was made possible by the availability of component MTBF figures taken from past experience. It is hoped that this will encourage users of marine propulsion equipment to compile and present additional reliability statistics and possibly complete reliability analyses of propulsion plants currently in service.