How Does the Bernoulli Principle Affect Air Flow in Fans?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of the Bernoulli principle on airflow in ceiling fans, particularly why there appears to be more airflow at the lower region of the fan compared to the upper region. Participants explore the relationship between airflow dynamics and pressure changes as the fan operates, considering both theoretical and practical aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the time interval considered when discussing airflow during the startup phase of the fan.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on the type of fan being discussed, indicating that the specifics may influence the airflow dynamics.
  • Participants discuss the kinetic energy added to the air by the fan blades, suggesting that this increase in velocity contributes to the cooling effect experienced.
  • There is a reference to Bernoulli's principle, noting that as air velocity increases, pressure decreases, prompting questions about the pressure distribution in different regions of the fan.
  • A participant proposes that the airflow dynamics may be influenced by the proximity of the fan to surfaces, suggesting a partial ducting effect that could affect airflow patterns.
  • Another participant mentions the Coanda Effect, indicating that moving air tends to follow surfaces, which may further explain the observed airflow behavior.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying viewpoints on the relationship between airflow, pressure, and the Bernoulli principle. There is no consensus on the specific mechanisms at play or the implications of these dynamics in ceiling fans, indicating that multiple competing views remain.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the assumptions regarding airflow dynamics, pressure distribution, and the specific conditions under which the Bernoulli principle applies in this context.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying fluid dynamics, HVAC systems, or anyone curious about the principles of airflow in mechanical devices like fans.

arunk8186
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----bernoulli principle in fan----

when a fan is started, why is there more air flow at the bottom of the fan and not at the upper region of fan...:confused:

>>Also explain if bernoulli principle is involved in this


thx an regards

arun
 
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When a fan is started?Explain what time interval do you think of.
Probably,the effect has something to do with low rotating speeds of various
parts of a fan during the start-up phase.
 
Last edited:
arunk8186 said:
when a fan is started, why is there more air flow at the bottom of the fan and not at the upper region of fan...:confused:

>>Also explain if bernoulli principle is involved in this


thx an regards

arun

Arun,
tell me bottom refers to center? and upper refers to tip of the blades? the fan axis is vertical or horizontal?
I ll get you correct answer.
 
i mean a ceiling fan...by bottom i mean the region below the blades (may be the the entire area where we feel cool air ) and by upper region, i mean the area above the blades...

thx
 
because when the air passes blades, air gets kinetic energy added from blades to it and moves faster than the suction side air.

Faster moving air makes you feel cool.

I hope, now you yourself can apply bernoulis eqn.

U R FROM TAMILNADU?
 
@ ramesh
thanks for ur reply ...ok i agree that the surroundin air gains kinetic energy ...we also know from bernoulli that as velocity increases,pressure decreases.
Now my question is how do we relate this ...in which region is there higher and lower pressure?? and y don we feel the cool air at the upper region of the ceilin fan?

yes sir, i am from Tamil Nadu ...nice seein u . BTW whr r u from in TN

regards,

arun
 
arunk8186 said:
@ ramesh
thanks for ur reply ...ok i agree that the surroundin air gains kinetic energy ...we also know from bernoulli that as velocity increases,pressure decreases.
Now my question is how do we relate this ...in which region is there higher and lower pressure?? and y don we feel the cool air at the upper region of the ceilin fan?

yes sir, i am from Tamil Nadu ...nice seein u . BTW whr r u from in TN

regards,

arun

Replied in your PM.
 


I presume fan is a room cooling fan with no duct or cowl. If it is close to a table top or floor then that surface will have a partial ducting effect for airflow from bottom part of fan where that restriction will reduce the dispersion, mixing, and thus slowing of volumes of air in that region. The moving air will tend to follow close to a surface (see Coanda Effect). Bernoulli effect can be demonstrated at that surface eg by an open book or small pile of paper sheets just as wind from an open window will scatter papers from a desk.

From Darmog
 

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