Axial Flow Fan Design by Lattice Theory

Author: Wood, Carlos Claude

Year: 1935

Degree: Master's thesis

Advisor: von Kármán, Theodore

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Aeronautics

DOI: 10.7907/6H0T-G579

Abstract

This thesis takes the much discussed and comparatively little used lattice theory and applies it to the design of fans. The application is made through the use of charts coming out of the theory. It is felt that by the use of the charts that the design of confined fans, that is those where end effects on the blades need not be considered, will be made considerably simpler and easier.

The use of the lattice theory in the design of fairly complicated vane systems is discussed, and an approximate method of analysis is given. This subject requires more study in the near future.

As yet, at the time of writing, the method has not been checked by experiment, and as a result not much may be said concerning the accuracy of the results as actually applied to design. However, the use of the lattice theory gives designs that appear to be reasonable, and it is hoped that the method will prove to be fairly accurate in actual practice. At present a fan and vane installation as shown in Fig. XIII and Fix. XV is being constructed, and it is hoped that it will be possible to present some experimental data on the design in the near future.

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