What is a significant effect of steam expansion in the Curtis stage?

Study for the Massachusetts 3rd Class Engineer Exam. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare for success on your exam!

In the Curtis stage, steam expansion is primarily designed to achieve a large decrease in pressure. This stage is part of the impulse turbine where the steam expands through a series of nozzles and blades. As the steam passes through these nozzles, it undergoes a rapid expansion that significantly reduces its pressure while simultaneously converting thermal energy into kinetic energy.

The large decrease in pressure is crucial for the turbine's operation, as it enables the steam to expand and gain speed, resulting in effective energy transfer and propulsion of the turbine blades. This arrangement allows for efficient energy extraction as the steam moves through the turbine, making the design particularly effective for generating mechanical power.

The other options present effects that do not align with the primary purpose and mechanism of steam expansion in the Curtis stage. For instance, steam expansion does not cause an increase in temperature; rather, it typically results in a drop in temperature as the steam does work on the turbine. Similarly, the steam velocity actually increases as it passes through the nozzles rather than decreases, and fluid density in this context is not significantly altered since steam density changes minimally during the expansion process compared to the changes in pressure.

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