Which location has the highest gas pressure in a turbine engine?

The compressor outlet of a turbine engine is where the highest gas pressure is found. This increase in pressure occurs as the air enters the compressor and is compressed to a higher density. The multi-stage compressor consists of a series of rotating and stationary blades that significantly increase the pressure of the incoming air before it enters the combustion chamber.

As the air is compressed, its volume decreases while its pressure increases, peaked at the compressor outlet. This high-pressure air then enters the combustion chamber, where fuel is injected and combustion occurs, further transforming the high-pressure air into high-energy gases that drive the turbine and produce thrust.

In contrast, the turbine outlet experiences lower pressure because the energy from the high-temperature and high-pressure gases has already been extracted to perform work on the turbine. The exhaust nozzle further reduces pressure as it allows the gases to expand and accelerate to produce thrust. The combustion chamber, while it does contain high-temperature gases, does not maintain the highest pressure compared to the compressor outlet, as pressure drops once the gases have expanded through the turbine.

Thus, the compressor outlet is specifically designed to achieve the highest pressure in the engine cycle, making it the correct choice.