Which of the following is a common cause of compressor blade erosion?

Compressor blade erosion is commonly caused by foreign object damage. This phenomenon occurs when particles such as dust, sand, or other debris enter the engine during operation and collide with the compressor blades at high speeds. The impact of these foreign objects can gradually erode the blade material, leading to deterioration of the blades' surfaces and potentially affecting the engine's overall efficiency and performance.

While excessive heat, low-grade fuel, and high-speed rotation can have various impacts on engine components, they do not specifically lead to the mechanical wear and tear seen in blade erosion caused by foreign objects. Excessive heat mainly affects thermal properties and can lead to issues like material softening or melting. Low-grade fuel may affect combustion efficiency or produce harmful deposits but is not directly linked to erosion. High-speed rotation is a normal function of engine operation and does not inherently cause erosion without the presence of foreign particles. Hence, foreign object damage stands out as the primary cause of compressor blade erosion.