Numerical Analysis and PIV Measurements of Tip Vortex in an Axial Rotor with Skewed-Swept Blade at Its Leading Edge

Based on the characteristics of axial fans of outdoor units of centralized air-conditioners, using the finite-volume method, applying three-dimensional steady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations coupled with Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model equation, and adopting SIMPLE algorithm, numerical analysis is made and applied to analyze the internal flow field of axial rotors with skewed-swept blade at its leading edge. This numerical simulation mainly investigates the formation and development of the tip vortex. Based on the tip vortex characteristics that have been captured, the internal flow numerical results are compared with those obtained by the PIV experiments. This comparison indicates a good agreement between numerical results and PIV results, thus proving the validity of the numerical simulation. In addition, based on the internal flow analyses of the axial rotor with skewed-swept blade at its leading edge, different flow phenomena features are presented. These flow features can be used for further improvements of the present rotor performance characteristics.