What is the role of compressor stators in a gas turbine engine?

The role of compressor stators in a gas turbine engine primarily involves decreasing the velocity of the gas flow. As the air moves through the engine, compressor stators function as a stationary component that helps manage the airflow.

When air enters the compressor, it is initially accelerated by the rotating blades of the compressor rotor. As the air passes through the stators, the design of the stators is such that they slow down the air's velocity while increasing its pressure. This reduction in airflow velocity allows for more efficient compression of the air in the subsequent rotor stages, thus enhancing the overall performance of the gas turbine engine.

By decelerating the airflow, the stators play a critical role in the transition of energy from kinetic to pressure form, which is essential for providing the necessary conditions for further compression and subsequent combustion in the engine.