A comprehensive three-dimensional CFD approach and experimental study is developed for a 6-ft diameter commercial axial fan with rotational speed up to 1014 rpm. The use of sophisticated CFD software has made it possible to simulate fluid flow in complex moving geometries found in rotating machinery such as fans, pumps compressors, etc. In this paper, FLUENT is used to study an axial fan performance. Simulations are performed for steady state conditions using an implicitly rotating reference frame for the blades. Experimental studies are also conducted to visualize the flow on fan blade surface by using tuft method. The pressure and velocity distribution in front of the fan and the uncertainty dynamic pressure field measurement are also carried out. Comparisons between CFD simulation results and experimental measurement are found to be reasonable.

This content is only available via PDF.
You do not currently have access to this content.