Broadband fan noise prediction using single-airfoil theory - Part 1: Theoretical background

This paper, the first of 2 parts, is dedicated to the analytical modeling of the broadband noise radiated by subsonic fans, such as encountered in HVAC or engine cooling applications. A fan noise prediction scheme is proposed on the basis of single-airfoil linearised unsteady aerodynamics theories. Spanwise distributed sources only are investigated, corresponding to three basic mechanisms, namely the noise from impingement of upstream turbulence, the trailing edge noise associated with turbulent boundary layer scattering, and vortex shedding noise. The second part of the paper will be devoted to some validation of the analytical formulae.