When blending a compressor blade, in which direction is the blend performed?

When blending a compressor blade, in which direction is the blend performed?

• A. Tip to root
• B. Circumferential
• C. Root to tip
• D. Radial

Answer: (C)

The main idea is how to restore the blade’s smooth contour without compromising its integrity where it’s most critical. When repairing or blending a compressor blade, you want to start at the root—the area where the blade attaches to the disk—and work outward toward the tip. This preserves the root fillet and the disk attachment geometry, while gradually shaping the blade along its length to re-create the correct aerodynamic profile. If you began at the tip and moved toward the root, you risk altering or thinning material near the base, which can affect fit, clearance, and the structural path from root to tip. Blending around the circumference or in a direction that doesn’t follow the blade’s length wouldn’t properly restore the longitudinal airfoil contour that’s essential for performance.

The main idea is how to restore the blade’s smooth contour without compromising its integrity where it’s most critical. When repairing or blending a compressor blade, you want to start at the root—the area where the blade attaches to the disk—and work outward toward the tip. This preserves the root fillet and the disk attachment geometry, while gradually shaping the blade along its length to re-create the correct aerodynamic profile. If you began at the tip and moved toward the root, you risk altering or thinning material near the base, which can affect fit, clearance, and the structural path from root to tip. Blending around the circumference or in a direction that doesn’t follow the blade’s length wouldn’t properly restore the longitudinal airfoil contour that’s essential for performance.