Definition
Short interconnecting tubes that link the individual combustion chambers (cans) in a can-type or can-annular turbine engine. They allow the flame from the igniter-equipped chambers to propagate to the chambers without igniters during engine start, and they equalize pressure between chambers during operation.
Plain English
Small tubes that connect the separate combustion cans in a turbine engine so the flame from the lit cans can spread to the unlit ones at start-up, and so pressure stays even between them while the engine runs.
Context Anchor
Seen in turbine engine maintenance, especially during combustion chamber inspection for cracks, warping, or burn damage.
Derivation
Called 'flame tubes' because their primary job is to carry flame from one combustion can to the next during engine start.
Why Pilots Care
Damaged flame tubes can affect engine burning, power, temperature, and reliability, so they are important to safe turbine engine operation.
Analogy
Like a row of gas burners on a stove where only one has a pilot light — small connecting passages let the flame travel from the lit burner to the others so they all light off.
Intuition Check
Do not think of flame tubes as tubes that carry fuel. They are metal liners that contain the flame after the fuel-air mixture is ignited.
Example Sentence 1
During inspection of the combustion section, the technician checked each flame tube for cracks and burn-through.
Example Sentence 2
In can-annular combustors, flame tubes allow the fire to spread from one can to the next during engine start.