Investigation of the Unsteady Flow Generated byan Axial Fan: Experimental Testing andSimulations

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.