Pelton Wheel Geometry — Bucket Width Proportion For Pelton wheels, the recommended bucket width is typically how many times the jet diameter?

Introduction:
Pelton turbines are impulse machines in which a free jet is divided and turned by double-cupped buckets. Proper geometric proportions of the bucket relative to jet diameter are critical for capture efficiency and to prevent jet interference.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Jet diameter = d; design follows standard empirical ratios.
• Smooth buckets; negligible leakage and splash for proportioning logic.

Concept / Approach:
Design handbooks recommend bucket width B ≈ 5d, bucket depth ≈ 1.2d, and bucket pitch ≈ 2.3d. The width allows the jet to expand and split around the splitter without spillage while maintaining a compact wheel diameter and acceptable bucket spacing.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Start from empirical proportion set for Pelton buckets.Select width B to be about 5 times the jet diameter d.Check with other ratios (depth, pitch) to avoid interference with adjacent buckets.

Verification / Alternative check:
Physical model tests and CFD confirm that B ≈ 5d offers high hydraulic efficiency with manageable bucket weight.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
double/three times: too narrow, risking spillage and reduced energy capture.four times: still narrow for typical high-efficiency designs; 5d is the common practice.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing width with pitch or depth; each has different recommended multiples of d.

Final Answer:
five times