The high-speed rub between the rotating and stationary parts of compressors plays a crucial role in the safe operation of aero engines. Extensive research has been reported on high-speed friction issues concerning compressor rotors and stators. Nevertheless, systematic reviews of relevant research progress have been lacking. This issue must be examined from the perspective of high-speed friction wear and energy-dissipation mechanisms so as to ensure the safe design of advanced aero engines. The operating conditions of the compressor rotor-stator systems are characterized by small radial clearances, high relative tangential velocities, high airflow pressures, and elevated temperatures, which inevitably result in radial rubbing. This high-speed rubbing can damage both the stator coatings and rotor blades, and in extreme cases, lead to serious safety incidents such as "titanium fires " in aero engines. This paper presents a systematic review of research findings pertaining to high-speed friction and wear in rotor-stator interactions, focusing on the mechanisms of friction-induced wear and the associated heat generation. On one hand, the high-speed friction between compressor rotors and stators is influenced by various operational parameters such as intrusion rate, sliding velocity, and contact depth. On the other hand, factors inherent to the rubbing surfaces, such as blade thickness, coating hardness, and material thermophysical properties, also play a crucial role in determining the rubbing behaviors and mechanisms. The predominant wear mechanisms include adhesive wear, abrasive wear, oxidative wear, and several wear maps have been established. Among the operational parameters, intrusion rate and rubbing velocity have the greatest influence. In addition to the typical stator coatings, several new coatings for both the rotor and the stator have been proposed, and corresponding friction and wear mechanisms have been investigated under laboratory conditions. Accurate prediction of the increase in temperature is critical for addressing the heat generation during high-speed friction. A major challenge lies in determining the heat flow distribution; in this regard, various calculation methods have been developed based on fundamental assumptions. These methods provide a theoretical basis for estimating the increase in temperature. After determining the heat flow distribution, a thermal-structural coupled model can be established using finite element analysis to calculate the temperature increase. Experimental results can be used to refine the model and improve the calculation reliability. Moreover, molecular dynamic simulation provides a novel approach to calculate friction heat distribution and flash temperature, without requiring the use of the currently used heat partition coefficients. The heat generated during high-speed friction significantly affects the wear behaviors and mechanism, which is the focus of current studies. However, variations in wear mechanisms may also influence the friction heat generation and partition, especially when tribo-films or tribo-layers with distinct thermal properties from those of the original materials are formed on the surface. By controlling the operational conditions and designing friction interfaces, the generation, distribution, and dissipation of frictional heat can be altered and controlled, thereby reducing the friction and wear produced and, most importantly, the probability of titanium fires. Previous research has revealed friction wear mechanisms and the influence of friction heat under the action of multiple factors, providing theoretical guidance and a basis for engine structural design and coating development. Further studies should focus on novel coating-metal material combinations and explore the effects of additional operational conditions, as well as the influence of complex high-temperature, high-pressure, and high-velocity flows. Moreover, the effects of heat-solid-flow coupling and flash temperature on the friction, wear mechanism, and energy dissipation mechanism should also be considered to effectively address complex problems such as titanium fires. This review provides meaningful guidance for frictional heat calculation, comprehensive analysis of the friction and wear mechanisms of the rotor-stator systems, and development of novel coatings.
