Axial flow compressor

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