Jet engines have always fascinated people — their speed, their sound, and the sheer power they produce. But how do they actually work? And more importantly, how can you understand their principles without being an aerospace engineer?
That’s exactly where a turbofan engine model comes in.
Designed for learning and exploration, kits like the Teching DM119 and DM121 bring the heart of jet propulsion into your hands. These working educational models simplify complex mechanics into something you can see, build, and understand.
Let’s take a closer look at how a turbofan engine model works — step by step.
What Is a Turbofan Engine?
A turbofan engine is a type of jet engine that powers most modern commercial aircraft. It combines the power of a jet with the efficiency of a propeller.
The large fan at the front pulls in huge amounts of air — some of it goes through the engine core (where combustion happens), while the rest bypasses around the outside, adding extra thrust and cooling.
In short:
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Core airflow = produces jet thrust through combustion
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Bypass airflow = adds additional thrust and efficiency
This is why turbofans are quieter, cooler, and more fuel-efficient than older turbojet designs.
Step 1: Air Intake
Everything starts with air. The fan blades at the front act like a giant propeller, sucking air into the engine.
In your Teching turbofan model, you’ll see this visually represented by a rotating front fan — it’s the first moving part in the system.
This stage teaches one of the most important STEM lessons: even the most advanced machines start with simple mechanical principles like airflow and rotation.
Step 2: Compression
After entering the engine, the air is compressed by a series of spinning blades — called compressor stages.
The DM119 twin-spool model beautifully demonstrates this. As you manually rotate the fan, you’ll notice smaller blades behind it moving in sequence — these represent the low- and high-pressure compressors.
This compression increases air pressure and temperature, preparing it for combustion.
Step 3: Combustion
Here’s where things get exciting.
In a real engine, fuel is injected and ignited, causing high-temperature gases to expand rapidly.
In your Teching model, this process is simulated with a cutaway view of the combustion chamber — so you can see how compressed air flows through it. It’s a safe, visual way to learn how energy transformation happens — from chemical energy (fuel) to kinetic energy (motion).
Step 4: Turbine & Power Recovery
The expanding gases then hit the turbine blades, which spin rapidly.
This is the heart of the system — the turbine extracts energy from the hot gases to drive both the compressor and the front fan.
The DM121 cutaway turbofan model is particularly useful for understanding this step. Its transparent design shows exactly how the turbine and fan are mechanically connected. You can literally trace the energy path through the shaft — from the combustion chamber back to the fan.
It’s an elegant way to demonstrate energy transfer and mechanical efficiency, key concepts in any STEM curriculum.
Step 5: Exhaust and Thrust
Finally, the remaining gases are expelled through the exhaust nozzle.
In a real aircraft, this creates forward thrust — Newton’s third law in action: “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.”
The Teching turbofan models let you observe this clearly — you can spin the fan, follow the airflow, and understand how power is generated through motion.
This simple yet powerful demonstration helps students visualize one of the most fundamental physics principles.
Learning Through Building
What makes these turbofan engine models such effective STEM tools is that you don’t just read about the theory — you build it yourself.
By assembling each component, you’ll:
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Develop spatial and mechanical understanding
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See real-world applications of physics and thermodynamics
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Strengthen problem-solving and fine-motor skills
Whether you’re an educator, a student, or simply a curious maker, the DM119 and DM121 kits transform complex aerospace technology into an engaging hands-on experience.
Why It’s Perfect for Beginners
Even though the real turbofan engine is one of the most advanced machines ever built, these kits make it accessible to everyone.
No prior engineering experience is needed — just curiosity and patience. The assembly is modular, and every moving part is clearly explained in the guidebook.
It’s not only educational but also visually stunning — once completed, it becomes a working display piece that demonstrates aerodynamic and thermodynamic concepts in real motion.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how a turbofan works used to require textbooks and lectures. Now, you can hold that knowledge — literally — in your hands.
These models make aerospace engineering approachable and fun, giving beginners a clear window into how air and fire combine to create thrust.
If you’re looking for an educational tool that inspires curiosity and sparks imagination, a turbofan engine model might be the best STEM gift you can give.
👉 Explore our turbofan models → Learn More
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