What is the primary function of the stator vanes in an axial-flow compressor?

What is the primary function of the stator vanes in an axial-flow compressor?

• A. Increase temperature of air
• B. Convert velocity energy into pressure energy
• C. Reduce mass flow
• D. Absorb sound energy

Answer: (B)

The stator vanes convert velocity energy into pressure energy. After the rotor blades accelerate the air and introduce swirl, the stationary stators guide and straighten the flow, turning the swirling, high-velocity motion into an axial flow while transferring part of that kinetic energy into static pressure. This pressure rise per stage is what increases the overall compression for the next stage. They aren’t primarily there to heat the air, reduce mass flow, or absorb sound; their main role is pressure recovery through turning and smoothing the flow for efficient multi-stage compression.

The stator vanes convert velocity energy into pressure energy. After the rotor blades accelerate the air and introduce swirl, the stationary stators guide and straighten the flow, turning the swirling, high-velocity motion into an axial flow while transferring part of that kinetic energy into static pressure. This pressure rise per stage is what increases the overall compression for the next stage. They aren’t primarily there to heat the air, reduce mass flow, or absorb sound; their main role is pressure recovery through turning and smoothing the flow for efficient multi-stage compression.