Which component provides the first stage of compression in the axial compressor assembly?

Which component provides the first stage of compression in the axial compressor assembly?

• A. Gas Generator High Pressure Section
• B. Axial Compressor Assembly
• C. Power Turbine
• D. Reduction Gearbox

Answer: (B)

The first stage of compression is provided by the axial compressor assembly. In an axial compressor, air flows in along the axis and passes through multiple stages of rotor blades (which accelerate the air) and stator vanes (which redirect the flow and convert velocity into pressure). The very first rotor stage imparts energy to the air and creates the initial pressure rise; this initial compression is the first stage. As air continues through additional stages, it undergoes further compression to reach the desired overall pressure. The other components don’t perform this initial compression: the high-pressure section is part of the compressor sequence but represents later stages of compression; the power turbine extracts energy from the hot gases, and the reduction gearbox drives accessories—neither one compresses air.

The first stage of compression is provided by the axial compressor assembly. In an axial compressor, air flows in along the axis and passes through multiple stages of rotor blades (which accelerate the air) and stator vanes (which redirect the flow and convert velocity into pressure). The very first rotor stage imparts energy to the air and creates the initial pressure rise; this initial compression is the first stage. As air continues through additional stages, it undergoes further compression to reach the desired overall pressure.

The other components don’t perform this initial compression: the high-pressure section is part of the compressor sequence but represents later stages of compression; the power turbine extracts energy from the hot gases, and the reduction gearbox drives accessories—neither one compresses air.