The low pressure turbine element is normally defined as what type of turbine?

The low pressure turbine element is classified as a reaction type turbine because it operates based on the principle of converting the thermal energy of steam (or gas) into mechanical energy through both the expansion of the working fluid and the blade reaction. In a reaction turbine, the pressure drop occurs gradually across the turbine blades, allowing the steam to expand both as it passes over the blades and through the nozzles. This design provides better efficiency and performance, particularly in low pressure sections where the thermal energy conversion is maximized.

In contrast, other types of turbines focus on different operational mechanics. Impulse type turbines primarily rely on the kinetic energy imparted by the steam jets directed onto the blades, while the velocity type refers to how the speed of the working fluid affects the turbine's operation. The compound type, on the other hand, typically refers to a configuration that combines two or more types of turbines (such as impulse and reaction) to take advantage of their respective efficiencies. Thus, the classification of low pressure turbines as reaction types reflects their unique operating characteristics and efficiency in the energy conversion process.