Effects of Sweep, Dihedral and Skew on Aerodynamic Performance of Low-Pressure Axial Fans With Small Hub-to-Tip Diameter Ratio

Abstract

Abstract Axial fans with a small hub-to-tip diameter ratio are used in many branches of industry. Optimization of their aerodynamic performance is important, for which using sweep, dihedral, and skew of the blades' stacking line form an important method. Investigations on axial fans with medium to high hub-to-tip diameter ratio have shown that forward sweep of blades can give an improved aerodynamic performance, especially the total-to-total efficiency. However, only a few studies for fans with a small hub-to-tip diameter ratio have been reported. For such fans, extensive regions of backflow are present behind the fan near the hub. Based on a validated computational fluid dynamics simulation method, the effects of a sweep, dihedral and skew in axial and circumferential directions (in forward and backward direction) on the aerodynamic performance of small hub-to-tip ratio fans are investigated, with a linear stacking line. Current results show that forward sweep and circumferential skew are beneficial for higher total-to-total efficiency and that higher total-to-static efficiency can be obtained by forward dihedral and axial skew. The backward shape variety generally gives negative aerodynamic effects. Forward sweep and circumferential skew shorten the radial migration path, but more flow separation is present near the hub. With forward dihedral and axial skew, the backflow region is reduced in size and axial extent, but a more significant hub corner stall region is found. The pressure reduction due to sweep and dihedral is more limited than what could be expected from wing aerodynamics.