Definition
A type of turbine engine compressor design in which the incoming air is accelerated outward from the center of a spinning impeller, then collected and slowed in a diffuser to raise its pressure before it enters the combustion section.
Plain English
An engine compressor that spins air outward, like a fan flinging it to the edges, to squeeze it before it reaches the burners.
Context Anchor
Seen in turbine engine discussions, especially when comparing centrifugal-flow compressors with other compressor designs.
Derivation
Centrifugal comes from the Latin centrum (center) and fugere (to flee) — literally 'fleeing the center.' That is exactly what the air does in this compressor: it is thrown outward from the center of the spinning impeller.
Why Pilots Care
Centrifugal compressors are rugged and simpler for light aircraft engines but limit performance at very high speeds compared with axial designs.
Analogy
Like water flung outward from a spinning wet tire, the air in a centrifugal-flow compressor is pushed away from the center as the wheel spins.
Intuition Check
Centrifugal flow does not mean air simply moves in a circle. It means the air is pushed outward, away from the rotating center.
Example Sentence 1
The small turboshaft engine in the helicopter uses a centrifugal flow compressor, which is well-suited to its size and power range.
Example Sentence 2
During engine familiarization, the instructor pointed out how the centrifugal flow path shortens the overall length of the powerplant.