A Benchmark Case for Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics of a Low Pressure Axial Fan

A low pressure axial fan for benchmarking numerical methods in the field of aerodynamics and aeroacoustics is presented. The generic fan for this benchmark is a typical fan to be used in commercial applications. The design procedure was according to the blade element theory for low solidity fans. A wide range of experimental data is available, including aerodynamic performance of the fan (fan characteristic curve), fluid mechanical quantities on the pressure and suction side from laser Doppler anemometer (LDA) measurements, wall pressure fluctuations in the gap region and sound characteristics on the suction side from sound power and microphone array measurements. The experimental setups are described in detail, as to ease reproducibility of measurement positions. This offers the opportunity of validating aerodynamic and aeroacoustic quantities, obtained from different numerical tools and procedures. Furthermore, this database allows the benchmarking of microphone array methods for rotating systems and the comparison of beamforming sound maps with numerical results. An extensive data package, including CAD models, pictures and experimental data, can be distributed upon request.