Russ: please archive

PREFACE

This posting is relevant to the writer's assessment that BOREY and YASEN Class Russian nuclear submarines cannot completely secure (stop) rotation of their GTZA OK-9VM geared-turbine propulsion power train when propelling on the PG-141M dc electric motor because of eccentric temperature-induced deformation of turbine components (rotational imbalance) that would occur with the introduction of high-pressure steam to a “cold” GTZA OK-9VM system.

See link for additional discussions of this limitation or go to http://www.iusscaa.org/articles/brucerule/status_of_the_gtza_ok9vm_main_turbine_gear_assembly_during_te_mode_operations.htm

DISCUSSION

Some 30+ years ago, the writer discussed with the former CO of a UK surface ship what occurred when the decision was made to start up a steam turbine-driven propulsion shaft line at high-speed without a preliminary slow-speed warm-up period.

The propulsion unit broke loose from its mounting and began “whipping around” the engine-room like a giant egg-beater. Fortunately, no one was killed but the ship was severly damaged as were several careers.