Research on the mechanism of fan blade shape effect on its noise

Abstract

The fan blade configuration affects its efficiency and sound pressure level-(SPL). This paper analyzes the fan blade noise components and studies the aerodynamic characteristics of fan blades. The bar theory and moving soundfield characteristics are used in the theoretical analysis. Nonlinear aerodynamics theory is used to analyze the blade force. A mathematical model of fan blade noise is developed and simulated by the precision Gauss-Legendre method. The model simulation and the experiment results are analyzed in the frequency domain. The simulation results are in reasonable agreement with the measured data. Our model and the Fukano model are compared for different rotational speeds of the fan. This paper then studies the change of SPL when the blade parameters (number of blades, rotation speed of fan, chord of fan, and blade profile etc.) vary. The major factors affecting the fan noise are analyzed. Our model is derived from the viewpoint of blade design, so the result can be used to study the aerodynamic characteristics of fan blades quantitatively. The study is considered as a prerequisite to designing fans of high quality, since it provides a theoretical basis for noise prediction and noise control.