Assigning Blower Properties

A blower is a three-dimensional modeling boundary condition. To assign a blower boundary condition, select two or three pieces of two-dimensional geometry (for example, a sheet). A blower boundary condition can be used to represent a type 1 blower (an impeller) or a type 2 blower (centrifugal blower). To assign a type 1 blower, one of the selected pieces of geometry must be a curved face.

Often used in conjunction with heat sinks, blowers are similar to 3D fans, but instead allow air to be expelled in a direction perpendicular to the incoming flow. They may have single or dual inlets, and are composed of at least two openings and either a hollow block or a pair of walls.

Impellers - Type 1 Blowers

Impellers are designed to model motorized impellers. They consist of two aligned circular wall objects that are separated by a ring-shaped air-outlet opening and either one or two air-inlet openings. Air is drawn into the impeller though the opening(s) on the top and/or bottom of the device and is then redirected 90° before being expelled circumferentially into the cabinet.

Centrifugal Blowers - Type 2 Blowers

Centrifugal blowers consist of an air-outlet opening and either one or two air-inlet openings. Air is drawn into the blower though the inlet opening(s) and is then redirected 90° C. The flow is then concentrated in one direction though a single circular or rectangular outlet opening.