In this paper, a 3D inverse design code TURBOdesign1 is applied in a parametric way to the design of the blade geometry of an axial box fan. The inverse design method designs the blade for a specified distribution of blade loading and spanwise circulation (or specific work) distribution. By changing the blade loading and spanwise circulation distribution, 4 different fan designs are created. The flow through these fans are computed by using a 3D CFD code and compared to that of a conventional design.
The results of the CFD computations indicate that a reduction in blade loading at the leading edge of the fan can lead to noticeable change in performance characteristics as well as the strengh of tip leakage vortex which may results in a reduction in fan noise.
Comparison of the structure of leakage vortex flow between LE Low and LE High at Q/Qdp=1.2.