Why use radial compressor when axial compressors is prefered by jet engine makers, and has been for along time?

I'm sure it was a decision based on efficiency, ease of manufacture, cost, ease of integration, and other factors. Each type of compressor has "zones" for each attribute that are optimum. It just turned out that centrifugal compressors offered the best composite of desired qualities. I took a class in turbomachinery last semester, so I probably could give you a better answer. I just can't think of any specific reasons off the top of my head.


Corbin

'95 ESI-T
HRC+FMIC+ETC...

I can understand that. The other thing I can think of as a problem would be getting the air outlet pipe away from the compressor since it works along the axle, space would be a big thing. I'm too tired to explain, but I hope you understand

yup i believe size constraints would limit it and then outlet placement would be a problem too, on a jet engine there are several fans getting progressively finer along the way, on a radial compressor the compressor wheel throws air outward through a small channel towards the outlet on an axial compressor (fan) the air needs to be forced inline with the fan so the fan would have to work harder to produce pressure. take a hairdryer you turn it on and it blows air, but then you put your hand over the nozzle and it blows out the inlet. it is harder for this to happen on a turbo because it actually changes the direction of the airflow. also new loads would be introduced on the shaft. with an axial fan you would introduce loads inline with the shaft. on a turbo these loads are minimized because the air is thrown outward, not inline with the shaft.
okay i think that's all for now
laters
james