What is the profile characteristic of a turbine engine compressor blade?

The profile characteristic of a turbine engine compressor blade is defined by having a reduced blade tip thickness. This design is crucial because a thinner blade tip decreases drag and allows for a more efficient airflow through the compressor stages. By reducing the thickness, the blades can more effectively manage the high-speed air entering the compressor, leading to improved aerodynamic performance and overall efficiency of the engine.

Moreover, the shape and thickness of the blade help in reducing the likelihood of flow separation, which can adversely affect engine performance. The thinner design helps to maintain smoother airflow over the blade surface, contributing to higher pressure recovery and better compression ratios in turbine engines.

While increased blade length and crescent-shaped designs may serve certain applications, they are not the standard characteristics used for compressor blades in turbine engines. A flat surface does not provide the necessary aerodynamic properties required for effective compression in a turbine engine, making a reduced tip thickness the most suitable choice.