Numerical Analysis of Flow Characteristics in Axial Fans using the ANSYS Fluent-Based Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Method

Abstract

Axial fans play an important role in ventilation and cooling systems, where aerodynamic efficiency greatly determines overall performance. This study aims to provide new insights into the distribution of velocity and pressure around the rotor-stator configuration of axial fans, as well as its implications for energy conversion efficiency. Simulations were performed using the ANSYS Fluent-based Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method with a k–ω Shear Stress Transport (SST) turbulence model under steady-state conditions. The simulation results showed significant flow acceleration at the blade tips, which contributed to pressure recovery in the stator region, with a pressure difference of approximately 23.7 kPa between the suction side and the pressure side. The identified flow pattern shows the role of the stator in straightening the flow and reducing residual vortices, which directly implies an increase in the aerodynamic efficiency of the system.Although the results show qualitative agreement with the literature trends, the mass imbalance and residual values that have not fully converged indicate the need to improve the mesh configuration and iteration scheme to obtain more accurate results. These findings provide insights into the relationship between blade design, pressure distribution, and flow efficiency, which can serve as a basis for optimizing industrial axial fan designs.