Experiment-Based Preliminary Design Guidelines for Consideration of Profile Vortex Shedding From Low-Speed Axial Fan Blades

Abstract

This paper presents hot-wire measurements in a wind tunnel, close downstream of basic models of blade sections being representative for low-speed, low-Reynolds number axial fans, in order to explore the signatures of vortex shedding (VS) from the blade profiles. Using the Rankine-type vortex approach, an analytical model was developed on the velocity fluctuation represented by the vortex streets, as an aid in evaluating the experimental data. The signatures of profile VS were distinguished from blunt trailing-edge VS based on Strouhal numbers obtained from the measurements in a case-specific manner. Utilizing the experimental results, the semi-empirical model available in the literature for predicting the frequency of profile VS was extended to low-speed axial fan applications. On this basis, quantitative guidelines were developed for the consideration of profile VS in preliminary design of axial fans in the moderation of VS-induced blade vibration and noise emission.