what is axial-flow?

Question

fluid axial-flow

Answer 1

Pl. read the following to understand Axial flow:
Axial flow type equipments are used in high flow-low head application like irrigation,pumping flood water,ceiling fan,slurry application.
Axial flow impellers are used at high speeds to promote rapid dispersion and are used at low speeds for keeping solids in suspension. Axial flow fan turbines are impellers that have multiple fins and convey the pumped media in the direction along the revolving axis of the impeller. Axial flow pitched blade impellers are used for mixing and have one or more paddles. Axial flow propeller impellers are impellers that have 2 to 4 blades and convey the pumped media in the direction along the revolving axis of the impeller.
for example:
An axial compressor is the name used in the aircraft industry to refer to a particular type of compressor used in jet engines. Engines using an axial compressor are known as axial-flow. Almost all modern engines are axial-flow, the notable exception being those used in helicopters.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axial_flow

Answer 2

Picture a rotating member (like a rotor for an electric machine).

Radial flow moves from the shaft (center of the rotating member) toward the exterior surface. This is a common method for cooling AC machines, for example. - It also describes how air moves through the stationary portion to cool the windings embedded there.

Axial flow moves parallel to the shaft - either from one end to the other, or from both ends toward the midpoint. In the first case, there may be radial flow through the rotating section (as air is forced outward from the shaft by centrifugal force), but the passage of air through the stationary portion remains primarily axial. In the second case, there is probably some radial flow occurring as air exits from the spinning rotor at the machine midpoint, and there will definitely be some radial flow to allow air to exhaust through the stationary portion at the midpoint. However, cooling through the ends of the machine (i.e. before the midpoint is reached) should be primarily axial.

Answer 3

When a fluid flows along the axis of rotation.

In a normal fan ( used in home), the air flow along the axis of rotation. Where as in an centrifugal blower, it flows perpendicular to axis of rotation