What is the function of the stator vane assembly at the discharge end of a typical axial-flow compressor?

What is the function of the stator vane assembly at the discharge end of a typical axial-flow compressor?

• A. To guide airflow into the rotor with no change in direction.
• B. To increase the velocity of the exiting air.
• C. To straighten airflow to eliminate turbulence.
• D. To measure blade passing.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that stator vanes at the discharge of an axial-flow compressor undo the swirl created by the rotor and turn the flow into a straight, axial direction for the next stage. The rotor blades impart a tangential component to the air, and the fixed stator vanes redirect that flow so its velocity is aligned with the axis. This straightening reduces turbulence and losses, helps maintain the proper flow angle for the next rotor, and improves the compressor’s efficiency and pressure rise. While changes in speed can accompany this redirection, the essential function is guiding and whitening the flow into an orderly axial stream rather than increasing velocity or serving as a blade-passing sensor.

The main idea is that stator vanes at the discharge of an axial-flow compressor undo the swirl created by the rotor and turn the flow into a straight, axial direction for the next stage. The rotor blades impart a tangential component to the air, and the fixed stator vanes redirect that flow so its velocity is aligned with the axis. This straightening reduces turbulence and losses, helps maintain the proper flow angle for the next rotor, and improves the compressor’s efficiency and pressure rise. While changes in speed can accompany this redirection, the essential function is guiding and whitening the flow into an orderly axial stream rather than increasing velocity or serving as a blade-passing sensor.