Which sequence correctly describes the order of engine stations from inlet to exhaust?

• A. Inlet, diffuser, compressor, burner, turbine, exhaust.
• B. Inlet, diffuser, burner, compressor, turbine, exhaust.
• C. Inlet, compressor, diffuser, burner, turbine, exhaust.
• D. Inlet, burner, diffuser, compressor, turbine, exhaust.

Answer: (C)

The path of air and energy in a gas turbine goes in a clear order: air enters the inlet, is slowed and pressurized by the diffuser, then further compressed by the compressor; fuel is added and burned in the burner (combustor), the high‑energy gases drive the turbine to extract work, and finally the exhaust releases the gases.

So the sequence from inlet to exhaust is: inlet, diffuser, compressor, burner, turbine, exhaust.

Placing the diffuser after the compressor would mean air isn’t slowed and pressure‑recovered before compression, which is inefficient and not the standard flow. Burning fuel before compression would also disrupt how the engine uses the high‑pressure air, and different arrangements would not correctly describe the engine’s normal operation.