Aerodynamic Characteristics of Ducted Fan Components at Different Angles of Attack

This study employed three-dimensional numerical simulations to investigate the thrust and power characteristics of a ducted fan under varying free stream velocities, rotational speeds, and angles of attack, with particular emphasis on angle of attack effects. The results show that: (1) At angles of attack below 60°, fan thrust constitutes the dominant component of total thrust. However, this relationship reverses at higher angles of attack, with duct thrust becoming the primary contributor when the angle of attack exceeds 60°. (2) The duct thrust plays a decisive role in determining the overall thrust characteristics. As the angle of attack increases, the enhancement of duct thrust directly contributes to the total thrust increase of the ducted fan system.