Metallurgy dictates the maximum diameter for centrifugal compressors in propulsion applications. Get them too large in diameter and they tend to burst at high RPM if FOD is introduced. This pretty much limits them to engines where total airflow isn’t large – helicopters, missiles, business jets and trainers. Centrifugal compressors are a favorite of designers for environmental control air cycle machines due to their durability and light weight.
A large centrifugal might burst if fodded however it remains less susceptable to fod than an axial flow.
The two major disadvantages of a centrifugal is it’s low pressure ratio and large frontal area. The use of an axial/centrifugal compressor isn’t new. The Proteus turbo prop used it. A major advantage of this is you can shorten the engine length by using a reverse flow compressor.
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