Propulsion devices have existed for many centuries, and natural devices have developed through evolution. Most modern engines and gas turbines have one common denominator: compressors and turbines or “turbomachines.” Several of the early turbomachines and propulsive devices will be described in this brief introduction before modern engines are considered. Included are some familiar names not usually associated with turbomachines or propulsion. Many of the early devices were developed by trial and error and represent early attempts at design engineering, and yet some were quite sophisticated for their time. Billington (1996), ASME (1997), Engeda (1998), St. Peter (1999), Wilson and Korakianitis (2014), and others all present very interesting introductions to some of this history supplemented by photographs.
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