In a gas turbine engine, what is the most critical point of lubrication?

In a gas turbine engine, the most critical point of lubrication is the turbine bearing. Turbine bearings are designed to support high-speed rotating components and must handle significant heat and load due to friction and the extreme conditions within the engine.

These bearings require a reliable lubrication system to ensure they can function optimally, as inadequate lubrication can lead to increased wear, overheating, and potential failure of the bearing, which can have catastrophic consequences for the entire engine. The lubricating oil provides not only the necessary lubrication to minimize wear but also helps dissipate heat away from the bearings, ensuring they operate within safe temperature limits.

While components like the combustor chamber, fuel injector, and engine shaft are important to the overall operation of a gas turbine engine, they do not face the same critical lubrication challenges as the turbine bearings, which are exposed to the highest levels of thermal stress and mechanical load. Thus, maintaining proper lubrication in the turbine bearing is essential for the engine's reliability and performance.