Abstract
The study purposes to establish the influence of some settings of the conventional rotational-molding process on the aeromechanical performance of a hollow-blade axial fan. It is recognized that the surface state quality, the material characteristics and the blades design have an effect on the performances of the turbomachines. The use of conventional rotational-molding is an innovative method well suited for achieved hollow-blade fans, reduced cost and relatively easy manufactured. In the present work the material employed represents one grade of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE-3200 natural, supplied by “C4-Polymers Company”). The variables of the process studied attend the initial mass of polyethylene powder, the oven temperature and the heating time. For comparisons, a fan of similar geometry machined in an aluminium block serves additionally as a reference. The results show an optimal choice of the settings of the manufacturing process is necessary to achieve the desired aeromechanical performances for this fan.
Highlights
The rotational molding is distinguished since the 1950s
This study focuses on aerodynamic performances, but a previous work [8] developed the analysis of thermomechanical measurement considering a similar-settings
When the oven temperature is greater than 285°C and the time in the oven 15 min, we can observe a significant change in the fan color
Summary
The rotational molding is distinguished since the 1950s. There has been an increasing number of researches on this issue in recent years: design research, improvement of the performance of hollow blade rotor achieved by rotational molding [1,2] and optimization of this process have been considered [3]. Crawford et al [4,5] presented the cooling method and adjusted the pressure in the mold. This process is only suitable for pieces with ordinary details and significant size. To seize upon the opportunity to develop this emerging market, it is necessary to endeavor to better understand the parameters in rotational molding process which can have an effect on aerodynamic performances [8]. The several fans produced by rotational molding process have been characterized in terms of aerodynamic performances. The fan is built up from blades with modified NACA-65 profiles with a mean chord equal to 74 mm (Table 1)
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