Compressor stall

Gas turbine phenomenon Comparison of normal and distorted airflow into the compressor section A compressor stall is a local disruption of the airflow in the compressor of a gas turbine or turbocharger. A stall that results in the complete disruption of the airflow through the compressor is referred to as a compressor surge. The severity of the phenomenon ranges from a momentary power drop to a complete loss of compression.[citation needed] Compressor stalls were a common problem on early jet engines with simple aerodynamics and manual or hydromechanical fuel control units, but they have been virtually eliminated by better design and the use of electronic control systems such as full authority digital engine control (FADEC). Modern compressors are carefully designed and controlled to avoid or limit stall within an engine's operating range.[citation needed] Types An animation of an axial compressor showing both the stator blades and the rotor blades There are two types of compressor stall, described below. Rotating stall A rotating stall is a local disruption of airflow within the compressor which continues to provide compressed air, but with reduced effectiveness. Rotating stall ari