NUMERICAL SIMULATION AND MODIFICATION OF 3D FLOW PHENOMENA IN AN AXIAL FLOW FAN

Abstract

This work aims to study and analyze the behavior of flow in an axial flow fan using numerical simulation based on solving Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations coupled with a modified Spalart-Allaras turbulence model. In the present work, different flow phenomena occuring in an axial flow fan were presented and interpreted at different design conditions and at different regions, with special concern to the rotor exit and stator regions. Large vortices and reverse flow at the stator suction side were observed under high loading conditions. These are mainly due to radial and centrifugal effects in the fluid due to a decreasing flow rate. To avoid this type of flow, the stator flow pattern has been modified using a new stator blade. This blade was designed by changing the stator stagger angle by 10˚in the radial direction. This study indicates that the flow in the modified stator region behaves well and gives better performance than that obtained when using a baseline stator, especially under high loading conditions. This study also indicates that the stator stagger angle has a significant effect on modifying the fan performance.