Investigation of the Unsteady Flow Generated by an Axial Fan: Experimental Testing and Simulations

Abstract

The unsteady flow measurement of a large axial fan with diameter 1.829m (6 ft) has been carried out. The complex flow field generated by the fan is investigated through experimental testing and CFD/FEA simulation. The results presented in this paper can be divided into three parts. The first part consists of the experimental description of the test facility, velocity measurement, flow-field visualization, and stress/strain analysis of the fan blades. The second part consists of the CFD simulation of the flow field. Simulation is carried out to analyze the flow pattern with and without a radiator attached to the fan casing. The results presented in this paper can be used as a reference for axial fan performance improvement in the future.

Keywords

• axial fan
• pressure measurement
• CFD/FEA simulation
• unsteady flow.