Which section is the ignition location in a gas turbine engine?

Which section is the ignition location in a gas turbine engine?

• A. Compressor section
• B. Combustion section
• C. Turbine section
• D. Inlet

Answer: (B)

Ignition must happen where the fuel can burn in a controlled flame, which is the combustion section of a gas turbine. After air is compressed in the compressor, it travels to the combustor where fuel is injected and mixed with that high-pressure air. Igniters provide the starting spark to ignite the mixture, establishing a stable flame. Once combustion is established, the hot, high-energy gas expands through the turbine to extract work. Ignition in the inlet or compressor wouldn’t sustain combustion, and ignition in the turbine isn’t practical since the flame needs to be created before the gas expands through the turbine.

Ignition must happen where the fuel can burn in a controlled flame, which is the combustion section of a gas turbine. After air is compressed in the compressor, it travels to the combustor where fuel is injected and mixed with that high-pressure air. Igniters provide the starting spark to ignite the mixture, establishing a stable flame. Once combustion is established, the hot, high-energy gas expands through the turbine to extract work. Ignition in the inlet or compressor wouldn’t sustain combustion, and ignition in the turbine isn’t practical since the flame needs to be created before the gas expands through the turbine.