What part of the gas turbine engine is responsible for the initial compression of air?

The compressor is the component of a gas turbine engine that is responsible for the initial compression of air. As the engine operates, it draws in air from the atmosphere, and the compressor increases the pressure of this incoming air before it enters the combustion chamber. This compression process is crucial because it raises the temperature of the air and improves the efficiency of the combustion process, allowing for a more powerful thrust to be generated when the fuel is ignited. The higher the pressure of the air entering the combustion chamber, the more energy can be extracted during the combustion process, which ultimately leads to increased engine performance.

In contrast, the combustion chamber is where the fuel mixes with the compressed air and ignites, while the turbine extracts energy from the high-temperature gases produced in the combustion process to drive the compressor and other components of the engine. The fan is typically used in certain types of gas turbines, particularly turbofans, to generate additional thrust by moving a large volume of air, but it does not play a direct role in the initial compression of air for the combustion process.