Experimental Study on Wake Characteristics of Distributed Ducted Fans

This study conducts an experimental investigation into the wake characteristics of distributed ducted fans using an integrated measurement system. A five-hole probe, in conjunction with an automated coordinate traverse mechanism and a real-time post-processing module, facilitates the efficient measurement of velocity vectors and total pressure distributions in two-dimensional planes. Systematic analysis identifies distinct patterns in wake evolution under both isolated and distributed configurations. In isolated configurations, the contraction of the fairing tail cone causes moderate flow convergence, accompanied by secondary flows in the hub region. The stator wake forms hexagonal velocity deficit structures, with viscous effects governing the progressive velocity decay and shear layer thickening downstream. In distributed configurations, inlet distortion generates asymmetric wake patterns, notably enhancing secondary flows in the upper hub region while eliminating fairing-induced vortices. Comparative results reveal markedly different wake mixing mechanisms between isolated and clustered configurations, underscoring the critical role of inlet distortion in wake development.