Smallest gas turbine engine in the world

August 10th, 2007

Researchers at the Tohoku University are currently working on a prototype of what could potentially be the smallest gas turbine engine in the world. It is hoped that this palm-sized motor will one day be incorporated in autonomous robots to function as a portable engine for personal transportation devices. This engine measures a mere 4″ in diameter and 6″ in length, but is capable of a rotational speed that hits between 500,000 to 600,000 rpm thanks to the special air bearings used inside. As long as fuel is available, this gas turbine engine will be able to run unlike battery-powered ones that need to stop for a recharge. Sounds pretty fancy - hopefully the benefits of such research will be able to trickle down to the layman soonest possible.