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ScottG · November 8th, 2007, 20:21

I think I have a grasp on the efficiencies with each of the two in terms of speed, but why is it that a turbofan will fly so much higher than a turboprop. My understanding is that they are much the same engine, both using a turbine but one uses a prop and one uses a ducted fan. So again, why can one go higher than the other? It seems to me that low air density would have the same effect on a fan blade as it would a prop. Maybe the fact that the fan is in an air duct, it is able to spin much fast than a prop, which looses efficiency approaching mach1 at the tips? Just guesses........

November 8th, 2007, 20:21	#1
ScottG Junior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 245	Turboprop and turbofan service ceiling I think I have a grasp on the efficiencies with each of the two in terms of speed, but why is it that a turbofan will fly so much higher than a turboprop. My understanding is that they are much the same engine, both using a turbine but one uses a prop and one uses a ducted fan. So again, why can one go higher than the other? It seems to me that low air density would have the same effect on a fan blade as it would a prop. Maybe the fact that the fan is in an air duct, it is able to spin much fast than a prop, which looses efficiency approaching mach1 at the tips? Just guesses........