What are the three main parts of a gas turbine engine?

The three main parts of a gas turbine engine are the compressor, combustion chamber, and turbine.

The compressor is responsible for drawing in air and compressing it, which increases the air pressure and density before it enters the combustion chamber. Compressing the air is essential for efficient combustion because it allows for a more significant energy release when the fuel is mixed with the compressed air.

Next is the combustion chamber, where the air and fuel mix and ignite. This process releases a large amount of energy in the form of hot gases. The design of the combustion chamber is crucial as it needs to maximize efficiency and ensure that the fuel burns completely.

Finally, the turbine extracts energy from the hot gases produced in the combustion chamber, converting this thermal energy into mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is used to drive the compressor and, in many cases, other components, such as a fan or generator.

These three components work in a continuous cycle, with the compressor delivering air to the combustion chamber, where it gets heated and expanded in the turbine. Together, they form the core of how gas turbine engines operate, enabling a smooth and sustained thrust in applications such as aviation and power generation.