In this paper, results from an experimental study on the effect of circumferential inflow distortion on the flow behavior of a high aspect ratio, low speed contra rotating fan, are reported. The total pressure at the inlet is artificially distorted by means of (i) 90° sector mesh having porosity of 0.70, (ii) 90° sector mesh having porosity combination of 0.70 and 1/3rd section at the hub region covered by mesh of porosity 0.64 (hub covered combined distortion) and (iii) 90° sector mesh having porosity combination of 0.7 and 1/3rd section at the tip region covered by mesh of porosity 0.64 (tip covered combined distortion). Detailed flow analyses were conducted under design speed combination and design mass flow rate of 6 kg/s. In order to understand the extent of inlet distortion, the distortion sector was rotated circumferentially at intervals of 15° to cover the entire annulus. Detailed measurements of velocity components and flow angles were carried out at the inlet of the first rotor, between the two rotors and at the exit of the second rotor. The study reveals a few interesting aspects on the effect of circumferential and combined distortion inflow distortion on the flow behavior of a contra-rotating stage. The presence of low porosity screen reduces the axial velocity magnitude and generates higher spread of distortion near the localized region of placement of the screen. The pure circumferential distortion has a greater effect on the performance of both the rotors compared to hub and tip covered combined distortion.

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