In turbine engine terminology, which sequence correctly lists major components in order from intake to exhaust?

• A. Compressor, turbine, combustor
• B. Combustor, compressor, turbine
• C. Compressor, combustor, turbine
• D. Turbine, combustor, compressor

Answer: (C)

In turbine engine operation, air energy is added in a clear flow: air is first compressed to raise its pressure and density, then fuel is added and burned in the combustor to create high-energy gases, and those gases expand through the turbine to extract energy (which helps power the compressor) before exiting as exhaust. This sequence—compressor, combustor, turbine—follows the path of increasing energy and pressure and then using that energy to drive the next stage.

Why this order fits: the compressor needs to deliver high-pressure air to the combustor for efficient burning and to support overall engine efficiency. The combustor requires this high-pressure air to mix with fuel and burn at a high temperature, producing the hot, high-energy gases that then pass to the turbine. The turbine relies on those hot gases to expand and do work, turning the shaft to drive the compressor and other accessories.

Other orders don’t work because placing the combustor before the compressor deprives the system of the high-pressure air needed for efficient combustion, and placing the turbine before the combustor would mean there’s no high-energy gas to drive it, disrupting the whole power-path.