This paper reports on quantitative tests of passive techniques for rotor-tip noise control in low-speed axial flow fans, based on blade-tip modifications involving the addition of antivortex appendages as end-plates. The end-plate thickness chordwise distribution is determined to control the chordwise evolution of the leakage vortex rotation number. The results confirm that the new end-plate configurations provide a mechanism by which leakage vortex bursting can be avoided. As such, the modified rotors represent an effective means of passive control of vortex breakdown.

Issue Section:
Research Papers
Keywords:
fans, flow control, interference suppression, rotors, vortices
Topics:
Blades, Fans, Flow (Dynamics), Leakage, Rotors, Vortices, Leakage flows, Design
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