The Effects of Radially Distorted Incident Flow on Performance of Axial Flow Fans With Forward Skewed Blades

Abstract

In this study, experiments and numerical simulations were carried out to evaluate the effects of radially distorted incident flow on the performance of axialflow fans, which were equipped with three kinds of forwardskewed blades. Loss coefficient and velocity components at exit section as well as overall performance are discussed, both at the design point and the lower mass flow rate point. Furthermore, rotating stall was also observed by use of three dynamic pressure sensors. All results reveal that there are beneficial effects of forwardskewed blades on the fan performance, but the fan performance and its unsteady aerodynamic characteristics are quite affected by the radially distorted incident flow.