What is the function of exhaust cones in a turbine engine?

The function of exhaust cones in a turbine engine is primarily to manage the flow of exhaust gases. They are designed to accelerate the gases exiting the engine, which contributes to the propulsion of the aircraft. The correct choice highlights that exhaust cones work to decrease the pressure of the exhaust gases while increasing their velocity.

This principle is based on the Bernoulli effect, where a decrease in pressure occurs as fluid velocity increases. As the exhaust gases pass through the narrowing section of the exhaust cone, they experience an increase in velocity as they exit into the atmosphere. This increase in velocity translates into thrust, which propels the aircraft forward.

While it might seem intuitive to associate exhaust cones with increasing pressure, their fundamental purpose is not to create a higher pressure but rather to ensure that the gases can flow efficiently out of the engine and maximize thrust generation, which aligns with the correct description of their function. The options that suggest increasing pressure, maintaining constant pressure and velocity, or creating turbulence do not accurately reflect the role that exhaust cones play in optimizing engine performance.