I presume you are asking how the GG turbine pressure ratio is constant.
With respect to the performance of the gas turbine it is the non-dimensional flows W(T^0.5)/P and speeds N/(T^0.5) that are important. Not the actual flows and speeds. The turbine pressure ratios are primarily determined by the swallowing capacities (i.e. non-dimensional flows) of the turbines (GG and PT turbines in series). Since the PT is choked it restricts the GG turbine pressure ratio. Consider the flow compatibility between the GG and turbine:
W4(T4^0.5)/P4=W3(T3^0.5)/P3 x P3/P4 x ((T4/T3)^0.5)
T4/T3=f(P4/P3,T.Eff and gamma)
Where 3 to GG turbine inlet and 4 refers to PT inlet. T and P are temperatures and pressures respectively. T.Eff and gamma is turbine efficiency (isentropic) and cp/cv respectively. W4(T4^0.5)/P4 and W3(T3^0.5)/P3 are GG and PT turbine non-dimensional flows respectively. (Please note the turbine characteristics are largely independent of their non-dimensional speed).
If the turbines are choked then W4(T4^0.5)/P4 and W3(T3^0.5)/P3 are constant. T.Eff and gamma do not change very much. Thus P3/P4 is constant. Please refer to “Gas Turbine Theory” pages 388, which illustrate this elegantly and discuss engine performance in detail.
As the fuel flow increases, the compressor pressure ratio, GG speed, airflow, TET and thus EGT increases. Since the GG turbine pressure ratio is constant the PT pressure ratio also increases. The increase in these parameters increases the GT power output while decreasing the heat rate. The distribution of the torque and speed of the PT depends on the drive load. In power generation the PT speed remains constant but torque increases as the power output increases as explained above by “ScottyUK”. In mechanical drive applications (gas compression and pumps) the PT speed varies with load and this is determined by the system resistance of the process.
We have developed simulators that illustrate all this including the effects of variable geometry turbines as discussed by “abeltio” above. You can download them for evaluation for our website (
I trust the above helps.
Best wishes,
gtsim