Pronunciation: [tˈɜːbə͡ʊ fˈan] (IPA) 
The word "turbo fan" is spelled with a "u" in "turbo" because it comes from the word "turbocharger", which uses the "u" sound. The "o" in "fan" is pronounced with a schwa sound, which is written as ə in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). This sound is often used in unstressed syllables in English. The IPA transcription of "turbo fan" is /ˈtɜːboʊ fæn/.
A turbofan refers to a type of jet engine that is widely used in aviation. It is characterized by its unique design that incorporates both a gas turbine engine and a fan. This combination allows for efficient propulsion and augmented thrust, making turbofans a popular choice for modern aircraft.
The turbofan engine consists of two primary components: the core and the fan. The core, similar to a traditional gas turbine engine, generates power by compressing incoming air and igniting fuel in the combustion chamber. The resulting high-pressure gases are then expelled out the back, producing forward propulsion. However, in a turbofan, a significant portion of the incoming air bypasses the core entirely.
The bypass air is directed through a large fan mounted at the front of the engine, known as the fan section. This fan has numerous blades that draw in air and accelerate it, generating additional thrust. The bypass air is then expelled out the rear of the engine alongside the hot gases from the core, resulting in a combined flow of exhaust gases and bypass air.
This configuration provides several benefits. The bypass air helps reduce the noise produced by the engine, making turbofans quieter compared to older jet engines. Additionally, the extra thrust generated by the fan improves the overall efficiency of the engine, increasing fuel efficiency and range. As a result, turbofans are widely employed in civil aviation, playing a vital role in commercial airliners and various military aircraft.
The word "turbofan" is a combination of two terms: "turbo" and "fan".
The term "turbo" refers to a turbocharger or a supercharger, which are devices used to increase the power output of an internal combustion engine by compressing the air entering the engine. The word "turbo" itself is short for "turbine", which is a device that converts the energy from a fluid flow into mechanical energy.
The term "fan" refers to a device with blades that rotate to create airflow. In the context of aircraft engines, a fan is used to draw in and compress air and subsequently propel it through the engine.
When these two terms are combined, "turbofan" refers to an engine type that incorporates both a turbine and a fan to provide propulsion. In a turbofan engine, the air passes through a core engine where it is initially compressed by a turbine.
