What happens to airflow as it passes through the stator vanes of an axial-flow compressor?

As airflow passes through the stator vanes of an axial-flow compressor, it indeed changes direction. The primary function of the stator vanes is to convert the kinetic energy of the high-speed airflow exiting the rotor blades into a more uniform and manageable flow that enters the next stage of the compressor.

The stator vanes are fixed and work to direct the airflow, effectively guiding it into the correct angle for the subsequent rotors. This directional change is essential for maintaining efficient airflow through the compressor stages and for preventing flow separation, which could lead to a drop in performance. In this context, while acceleration and deceleration might occur in different parts of the compressor, the fundamental action of the stator is the change in direction of the airflow to optimize performance and promote the smooth operation of the engine's compression cycle.