Inlet lip
Smoothly guides incoming air toward the fan and limits flow separation.
Turbofan Jet EngineINTERACTIVE 3D
Every component has a purpose. Discover how they work together.
FROM FUEL TO MOTION
One flow. Continuous thrust.
Intake, compression, combustion, and expansion happen continuously.
JET ENGINE GUIDE
ILLUSTRATIVE SECTION
INTAKE STAGE
A large fan. Two air streams.
The inlet guides air into the fan. Most of the flow travels through the bypass duct; the rest enters the core. The fan accelerates bypass air to generate thrust.
Bypass flow + core flow2independent rotating spools
2air streams: bypass and core
Understand the engine, step by step
Follow the airflow, discover the Brayton cycle, and identify each assembly in the model.
Jet engine parts and their functions
Fan
Accelerates a large mass of air. Most passes around the core through the bypass duct, producing much of the thrust in a high-bypass turbofan.
Spinner
A streamlined nose cone guides incoming air outward toward the fan blades.
Nacelle
Encloses the engine and forms the outer wall of the bypass flow path.
Bypass outlet guide vanes
Straighten fan discharge in the bypass duct and support the core within the nacelle.
Low-pressure compressor
Raises core-air pressure before it enters the high-pressure compressor.
High-pressure compressor
Successive rotor and stator rows raise air pressure. Stators slow and redirect flow between rotor rows.
Core casing
Supports stationary compressor and turbine structures and contains the core gas path.
Fuel injectors
Atomize fuel into compressed air around the annular combustor. Igniters establish the flame during starting or relight.
Annular combustor
Burns fuel continuously in compressed air. Cooling air protects the liner; hot gas then flows to the turbines.
High-pressure turbine
Extracts energy from hot gas to drive the high-pressure compressor through its shaft.
Low-pressure turbine
Extracts further energy to drive the fan and booster through the inner shaft.
Concentric spool shafts
Two concentric shafts connect each turbine to its compressor system. The inner low-pressure shaft drives the fan and booster.
Core exhaust nozzle
Accelerates the remaining core gas rearward. Core exhaust and bypass flow together produce thrust.