The Experimental Investigation of Jet Fan Aerodynamics Using Wind Tunnel Modeling

Abstract

Jet fan aerodynamic behavior was investigated using wind tunnel modeling. Conditions were created to simulate mine and vehicular tunnel ventilation where these fans are finding increased application. Results showed that the ability of a jet fan to entrain air depends on its proximity to the tunnel wall. Moving the jet fan toward the wall increased the initial pressure drop below ambient in a significant length of the tunnel. This increased the volume of air entrained despite the existence of a large recirculation eddy or back flow whose size diminished as the jet fan was traversed toward the tunnel axis. When the jet fan was located at the tunnel axis the flow was very unstable close to the walls of the tunnel and it had a tendency to reverse itself with periods coinciding with the jet oscillation behavior. The complete set of measurements obtained are suitable for CFD code validation and modeling.