FAA Powerplant Written Practice Test

Which component is key to collecting exhaust gases in turbine engines?

1. The combustion chamber

2. The exhaust nozzle

3. The exhaust cone assembly

4. The turbine rotor

The correct answer is: The exhaust cone assembly

The exhaust cone assembly plays a crucial role in collecting the exhaust gases produced by the combustion process in turbine engines. Its primary function is to guide and direct the flow of hot exhaust gases from the combustion chamber towards the exhaust nozzle, which ultimately helps in producing thrust. The design of the exhaust cone assembly is important because it ensures that the flow of gases is smooth and efficient, minimizing turbulence and pressure losses as the gases exit the engine. The shape and construction of the assembly also help in maintaining the correct velocity and direction of the exhaust gases, which are essential for optimal performance of the engine. While the combustion chamber is where fuel mixes with air and burns to create hot gases, and the exhaust nozzle helps to accelerate these gases to produce thrust, it is the exhaust cone assembly that effectively collects and channels these gases from the combustion process toward the downstream components. The turbine rotor, on the other hand, extracts energy from the high-temperature gases to drive the compressor and produce thrust but is not specifically focused on collecting exhaust gases.