Multi-Dimensional CFD Analysis of Rotating Blades in a Lawnmower Deck

Aerodynamic experimentation and investigation of rotating blades has pioneered the research necessary for innovative lawnmower design. In this study, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models are generated for single and triple-blade arrangements to analyze their flow patterns and behavior. For the 2-D CFD analysis, blade profiles at several arbitrary radial sections have been selected for flow computations around the blade model. Likewise, the 3-D CFD analysis effectively simulates the flow patterns inside the entire triple-blade mower deck, as well as in single-blade enclosures. The accuracy of the attained CFD solutions was determined through comparison with experimental data. The flow behaviors were observed using both Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) and a high-speed video camera recording at 2000 frames per second. Strain gage and pressure transducer analysis also aided in the correlative effort. It has been observed that both the mower deck configuration and blade profile share equal significance in the resultant flow profiles.