RMS Titanic a technological marvel

[Stanley C Jenkins]

Nigel Bryant's original question asked about the technology used in the Olympic class liners, and I suggested that the general consensus of opinion was that the Titanic and her sisters were evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Subsequent postings seemed to agree with this view, although a few questions have arisen in in the interim. In particular, there seems to be some difference of opinion regarding the introduction of turbines and what might be termed "the chronology of innovation". In this context, I stated that the one aspect of the Olympic class that MIGHT be criticised concerned the decision to retain reciprocating engines (albeit in conjunction with a low pressure turbine).

My point was that, with a designed speed of about 22.5 knots, the Olympic class vessels were regarded as express passenger steamers. It was, by 1912, normal practice in the United Kingdom for vessels intended to achieve speeds of 20 knots or above to be equipped with turbine engines. Below that speed, reciprocating engines were normally considered to be more appropriate.

It is not entirely clear why White Star and Harland & Wolff should have decided to retain reciprocating engines, but as a guess one might speculate that, having invested heavily in reciprocating technology, H&W were determined to install reciprocating engines in their prestigious new vessels.

 

[Michael H. Standart]

>>It is not entirely clear why White Star and Harland & Wolff should have decided to retain reciprocating engines, but as a guess one might speculate that, having invested heavily in reciprocating technology, H&W were determined to install reciprocating engines in their prestigious new vessels.<<

I don't think the word is "Determined" so much as it was that the system delivered the needed performance and was economical for the time, and this was deemed good enough.

While you don't see the combination of turbines and reciprocating engines anymore, you still find hybrid plants being used for a variety of reasons, though mostly on military vessels. Such hybrids include nuclear plants with oil fired boilers for super heating, (The Russian Kirov class guided missile battle cruisers have this plant) as well as combined diesel or gas (CODOG) in smaller combatants. The gas turbines provide high performance while the diesels offer economies at slower speeds.

 

[Steve Olguin]

From a design standpoint, IMO much of Titanic's interiors left very much to be desired (especially in second and third classes). I think Aquitania took their second class public rooms a step further than any of White Star's ships. If they had extended the length of the ship another 40 to 50 feet, the second class accommodations could have been enlarged and improved. I have always thought that the second class spaces were a huge step-down from first class, and I would be interested to ever find out if they had planned to upgrade any of the second or third class areas on Britannic (aside from the obvious changes that are well documented such as the second class gym).

I guess White Star really saw their first class as the cream of the crop and expended all of their money into it.