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The obvious precedent for variable-pitch blades are variable-pitch propellers on aircraft and helicopters. I don't want to say it's a solved problem for turbos, but there is almost a century's worth of prior art on the topic. That's one of those things that (in hindsight) really makes you wonder what took so long to think up.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variable-pitch_propeller




Because it has to be cheap and reliable at 1000*C for 200,000 miles over 10 years while constantly accelerating to 280,000RPM and decelerating with no oil or cooling air circulating when the car is stopped. https://garrett.honeywell.com/products/how-a-turbo-works/

http://www.epi-eng.com/piston_engine_technology/turbocharger...


Variable geometry turbos are a thing, and have been for some time. The larger trucks and semis use this technology. Typically they are hydraulically controlled.


That's a challenge, but the thing is a turbo deals with blazing hot exhaust gasses just out of the manifold. A prop is still a marvel of engineering, but it doesn't need to be made of boron carbide to not melt.

A better comparison would be variable pitch vanes on jet turbines.




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