Which two elements make up a single stage of the axial-flow compressor?

Which two elements make up a single stage of the axial-flow compressor?

• A. The rotor and the bearings
• B. The rotor and stator
• C. The stator and the casing
• D. The rotor and the housing

Answer: (B)

A single stage of an axial-flow compressor is formed by a rotor and a stator. The rotor is the rotating blade row that imparts energy to the air as it spins, increasing the flow’s velocity and, after conversion, its pressure. The stator is a fixed blade row immediately downstream that redirects the flow and transforms much of that kinetic energy into additional static pressure while keeping the flow along the axis. The other elements—bearings, casing, housing—support or enclose the machinery but are not what defines a stage. Therefore, the combination of a rotating blade row and a stationary blade row best represents a single compressor stage.

A single stage of an axial-flow compressor is formed by a rotor and a stator. The rotor is the rotating blade row that imparts energy to the air as it spins, increasing the flow’s velocity and, after conversion, its pressure. The stator is a fixed blade row immediately downstream that redirects the flow and transforms much of that kinetic energy into additional static pressure while keeping the flow along the axis. The other elements—bearings, casing, housing—support or enclose the machinery but are not what defines a stage. Therefore, the combination of a rotating blade row and a stationary blade row best represents a single compressor stage.