Date

5-1-2025

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in History (PhD)

Chair

Allen York

Keywords

Aviation, jet, engine, airplane, thrust, innovation, invention, piston

Disciplines

History

Abstract

This dissertation poses the question of just how important the introduction of jet engine technology was and is to the aviation industry and its place within the military and civilian segments of society. A corollary to that question is the premise that jet engine technology was virtually as crucial to the growth and impact of aviation as the introduction of the airplane itself. That is not to denigrate the importance of any means of flight and propulsion but to emphasize that aviation would not be anywhere close to where it is today without the jet and the level of its performance enhancements when compared to piston-powered, propellor-driven aircraft.

In order to appreciate the magnitude and impact of jet engine technologies on the full scope of human activities, it appears reasonably necessary to begin that process by tracing the aspirations of early humans in both envying and attempting to duplicate the capability and realities of flight. From prehistoric developments in what would come to be known as aerodynamics forward to the realm of supersonic and hypersonic flight, developing from the distance of a thrown spear to the regions of interstellar space, the human spirit, human ingenuity, and human intelligence has propelled the fantasy of flight into a visible reality. This dissertation explores that spirit, chronicles the key developments and progress along the way, and explains why the turbine engine, in the form of a jet, transformed not just warfare but also the way that mankind looks at the world and the distances between previously remote locations. Jet-powered aircraft technology basically transformed not only the way that previous levels of aviation were implemented but also the very foundations of our view of the world and, to a great extent, beyond.

In presenting a larger view of the impact of the jet engine on aviation alone, it is necessary to discuss and, to a reasonable degree, understand the various aspects of technical performance criteria such as speed, altitude, size, and carrying capacity, and the resulting impact those performance differences generated. In addition to the basic performance parameters, significant differences in human factors and improvements obtained through the use of the jet engine, including the impact of significant reductions in internal vibration levels, sound levels, and other comfort metrics, all significantly increased or enhanced the adoption of air travel as the norm for longer distances.

This dissertation traces the development and history of aviation in general and turbine engine development in particular, which led to the invention of the combustible version of the turbine now known as the jet. The roots of the turbojet go back several centuries, and the path to the concept and invention of the jet engine is convoluted and technically fascinating.

Performance comparison and statistical analyses are presented to highlight the level of difference in acceptance of aviation technology and capabilities, comparing pre-jet to post-jet periods of time and how aviation played a role in each, highlighting the differences to validate the claims made about the changes in aviation impact after the jet engine replaced piston engines in virtually all military and commercial aircraft, piston engine power for personal aircraft or as a hobby.

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