Optimum positioning of fan inside an enclosure

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the optimal positioning of a fan within an enclosure for a heat-sink design, focusing on thermo-fluid simulations and airflow dynamics. Participants explore the challenges of fan placement, airflow stalling, and the effects of enclosure geometry on performance.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the optimal placement of a fan and the minimum clearance needed to prevent airflow stalling, questioning if this is a complex issue primarily for non-mechanical engineers.
  • Another participant asks about the expected reduction in airflow when a fan is placed in one corner of the enclosure with air holes in the opposite corner.
  • There is a request for references to papers or books that cover the basics of fans and propellers.
  • A participant inquires whether thermo-fluid simulation software can provide reasonable accuracy in solving these airflow issues.
  • One participant seeks assistance on how to attach images to the discussion to illustrate their design.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not present a consensus, as participants raise various questions and challenges without agreeing on specific solutions or approaches.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided specific assumptions or definitions regarding fan geometry or airflow dynamics, and there are unresolved questions about the effectiveness of simulation software in this context.

Who May Find This Useful

Electronics engineers, mechanical engineers, and individuals interested in fluid mechanics and thermal management in electronic systems may find this discussion relevant.

Mrinal
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Hello!

I am an electronics engineer and the only time I came across Fluid mechanics was in class 12.

I have been stuck for a long time in the finalization of a product. The difficulty is that I need to design a heat-sink, place a fan over it and perform a thermo-fluid simulation of the system.
The main problem is that I have no clue clue about the optimum placement of the fan. Hit an trial has resulted in stalling of flow or worse a complete reversal of flow at certain positions. Especially when the inlet or the outlet side of the fan has very less gap for air to enter. What should be the minimum clearance for a given fan geometry so that it does not stall? Is it an easy question, difficult only to non-mechanical engineers? Also there are other questions like... if I place a fan in one corner and make holes for air at the other corner of the enclosure, how much reduction in flow is to be expected?

Please provide some references papers/books where I should be able to learn the basics of fans/propellers.
Also is there a shortcut? I mean can thermo-fluid simulation softwares solve this problem with reasonable accuracy?

Thanks
 
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Mrinal said:
Hello!

I am an electronics engineer and the only time I came across Fluid mechanics was in class 12.

I have been stuck for a long time in the finalization of a product. The difficulty is that I need to design a heat-sink, place a fan over it and perform a thermo-fluid simulation of the system.
The main problem is that I have no clue clue about the optimum placement of the fan. Hit an trial has resulted in stalling of flow or worse a complete reversal of flow at certain positions. Especially when the inlet or the outlet side of the fan has very less gap for air to enter. What should be the minimum clearance for a given fan geometry so that it does not stall? Is it an easy question, difficult only to non-mechanical engineers? Also there are other questions like... if I place a fan in one corner and make holes for air at the other corner of the enclosure, how much reduction in flow is to be expected?

Please provide some references papers/books where I should be able to learn the basics of fans/propellers.
Also is there a shortcut? I mean can thermo-fluid simulation softwares solve this problem with reasonable accuracy?

Thanks
Could you give a rough diagram of the heat sink and your positioning of the fan?
 
God knows how to insert a photo from the computer!
How to attach images?
 
While replying, there's an option in the bottom right corner that says 'upload file'
 

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