Investigations on an axial flow fan stage subjected to circumferential inlet flow distortion and swirl

The combined effects of swirl and circumferential inlet flow distortion on the flow field of an axial flow fan stage are reported in this paper. The study involves measurements at the inlet of the rotor and exit of the rotor and stator at design and off design flow conditions. The study indicated that at the design flow condition, swirl had caused deterioration of the performance in addition to that caused by distortion. Pressure rise imparted in the distortion zone is higher than in the free zone. The attenuation of distortion is high in the presence of swirl.