Which of the following is NOT a component of the exhaust section in a gas turbine engine?

The afterburner duct is indeed not considered a standard component of the exhaust section in a gas turbine engine. The exhaust section primarily consists of components that direct the flow of gases produced during combustion. These include the exhaust nozzle, which expands and accelerates the exhaust gases, the tailpipe that provides a route for the gases to exit the engine, and the exhaust cone that helps in the smooth transition and exit of gases to minimize drag and disturbance.

The afterburner duct, however, is typically part of the afterburner system, which is an additional component designed to increase thrust by adding fuel to the exhaust stream and igniting it. This component is found in specific engine configurations, like military jet engines or in supersonic aircraft, but it does not form part of the basic exhaust section in all gas turbine engines. Thus, recognizing the role of the afterburner duct and its distinction from the main exhaust components clarifies why it is the correct answer to the question regarding which component is not part of the exhaust section in a gas turbine engine.