What are the two primary types of compressors used in gas turbine engines?

The two primary types of compressors used in gas turbine engines are axial and centrifugal compressors.

Axial compressors consist of a series of rotating blades that compress the air as it flows parallel to the axis of the engine. This design is efficient for high mass flow rates and is commonly used in large gas turbine engines, such as those found in commercial aircraft. The blades accelerate the air and compress it through each stage, resulting in increased pressure as the air moves through the compressor.

Centrifugal compressors, on the other hand, employ a different method for compressing air. They use a rotating impeller to draw in air at the center and then fling it outward through a diffuser, converting kinetic energy into pressure energy. This type is typically more compact and is often found in smaller engines, auxiliary power units, and certain industrial applications.

This distinction is essential in understanding gas turbine engine performance, as the choice of compressor affects efficiency, weight, and overall design characteristics.