What is the main advantage of an axial flow compressor compared to a centrifugal compressor?

The main advantage of an axial flow compressor is its small frontal area and high peak efficiency. Axial flow compressors are designed for efficient airflow and can compress air using a series of rotating and stationary blades, allowing them to maintain a compact design. This design enables them to achieve high efficiency at a wide range of operating conditions.

The small frontal area is particularly beneficial in applications where space is limited, allowing for more streamlined designs in turbine engines. Additionally, high peak efficiency is crucial in power generation and aircraft propulsion, as it directly correlates to better performance and reduced fuel consumption at optimal operating points.

In contrast, while centrifugal compressors can produce high pressure ratios, they tend to have larger frontal areas and may not achieve the same level of efficiency across all operating conditions as axial flow compressors do.