As the demand for efficiency and durability in mechanical systems continues to grow, so too does the emphasis on innovative materials and designs. A case in point is the use of composite materials in fan blade construction. Lightweight, durable, and resistant to myriad environmental factors, composites promise enhanced performance and longer service life. However, gauging their exact behavior under operational conditions necessitates a meticulous, multifaceted analytical approach, which is the crux of our investigation.
The analysis begins with a deep dive into Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Here, we undertake a steady flow analysis on the fan blade made from the composite material. The objective is to comprehensively map the pressure distribution across the blade during operation. This pressure profile, resultant from the interaction between the blade and the surrounding air, is a critical determinant of the blade’s aerodynamic performance.
With the pressure data in hand, we transition to Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Using the pressures obtained from the CFD as input, the FEA structure stress analysis is executed to unravel the stress and deflection experienced by the composite blade. Given the unique mechanical properties of composites, understanding these stresses is pivotal in assessing the blade’s structural integrity and longevity.
In essence, this dual-pronged analytical exploration merges fluid dynamics with structural mechanics, offering a holistic view of the composite fan blade’s performance, both aerodynamically and structurally.
Contact Us if you would like to run CFD flow analysis and FEA stress analysis on your projects.