In an axial-flow compressor, the stator vanes primarily serve what purpose?

In an axial-flow compressor, the stator vanes play a crucial role in converting the velocity energy of the airflow into pressure energy. As the airflow passes through the rotating rotor blades, it gains kinetic energy, which manifests as an increase in velocity. The stator vanes, positioned downstream of the rotor, are designed to manage this flow by slowing it down and redirecting it efficiently.

When the airflow encounters the stationary stator vanes, its velocity decreases, and as a result, the dynamic pressure converts into static pressure, effectively raising the pressure of the air as it moves through the compressor. This conversion from velocity to pressure is necessary for the compressor to prepare the air for subsequent processes, such as combustion in a turbine engine. Thus, the primary function of the stator vanes is to facilitate this transformation, which is essential for the efficiency and performance of the turbine engine.