What is one primary advantage of using an axial flow compressor?

The primary advantage of using an axial flow compressor is its ability to achieve high pressure ratios. This efficiency stems from its design, which allows for a continuous flow of air through a series of rotating and stationary blades, effectively compressing the air as it moves through the compressor stages.

Axial flow compressors are particularly effective in aerospace and power generation applications because they can compress large volumes of air efficiently while maintaining a relatively low weight-to-power ratio compared to other types of compressors. This makes them ideal for applications where performance and efficiency are critical, such as in jet engines, where maximizing thrust while minimizing weight is essential.

While options like compact size, simple design, and ease of maintenance are considerations in compressor design, they do not uniquely define the axial flow compressor's primary advantage in the context of performance and efficiency that high pressure ratios deliver.