RE: Does a turbine run better with inlet ducting
Well, I have nothing really scientific to back this up but......
I have noticed that on my JMP Firebird, when I first ran the engine, I did so with the bypass cover off, that dirties up the air. When it was placed on, the turbine ran cooler, same thing with my old Super Bandit.
In my mind, cooler temperatures mean parts should last longer.
Jets that are fully ducted (with a bypass) are almost always quieter than an open installation as well which is a bonus in my opinion.
I think that it could be perceived as more power is available in a fully ducted situation as performance generally improves, though I feel this is more about drag from the inside of the airplane as opposed to making more power, but again, with a lower temp, perhaps the turbine does make a little more power, would it be enough to be noticeable, probably not, but who knows.