Figure A typical multistage axial flow compressor (Rolls-Royce)
Figure Schematic representation of an axial flow compressor
An axial compressor is typically made up of many alternating rows of rotating
and stationary blades called rotors and stators, respectively The first stationary row (which comes in front of the rotor) is typically called the inlet guide vanes or IGV. Note that the IGV also adds no energy to the flow. It is designed to add swirl in the direction of rotor motion to lower the Mach number of the flow relative to the rotor blades, and thus improve the aerodynamic performance of the rotor. Each successive rotor-stator pair is called a compressor stage. Hence compressors with many blade rows are termed multistage compressors.
Figure Pressure and velocity profiles through a multi-stage axial compressor
Macro Geometric Specification of An Axial
Compressor
The geometry of a compressor can be
categorised into 3 main designs types, A Constant Outer Diameter (COD), A Constant Mean Diameter (CMD) or A Constant Hub Diameter (CID),
Axial flow turbines
Working fluid is accelerated by the stator and decelerated by the rotor Boundary layer growth and separation does not limit stage loading as in axial compressor
Expansion occurs in stator and in relative frame of rotor