In an axial-flow compressor, the purpose of the stator vanes at the discharge end is to what?

In an axial-flow compressor, the stator vanes located at the discharge end serve a crucial role in optimizing the flow of air. Their primary purpose is to straighten the airflow as it exits the compressor and to eliminate turbulence that can negatively impact performance.

As the air moves through the rotating blades of the compressor, it experiences changes in velocity and direction. The stator vanes are fixed and positioned strategically to guide the flow in a more uniform direction, which helps to reduce swirling and chaotic airflow patterns. By straightening the airflow, the vanes improve the efficiency of the compressor and maintain a smoother, more stable flow into the next stage of the engine, such as the combustion chamber.

The other options relate to different aspects of engine operation but do not accurately describe the functionality of the stator vanes at this specific point in the compressor. For example, while increasing pressure might be an overall goal of the compressor, it is the dynamic action of the rotating blades that primarily achieves this, rather than the stators alone. Instead, the stator vanes refine the flow characteristics rather than directly alter temperature or air density.