A modular fan assembly includes a center hub assembly and a first blade attached to the center hub assembly. The center hub assembly includes a first plate and a second plate each having an outer edge and a planar capture surface. The planar capture surfaces of the second plate is arranged parallel to the planar capture surface of the first plate. The first blade includes a mounting pad and a working portion. The mounting pad has opposite, parallel planar surfaces positioned in contact with the respective planar capture surfaces of the first and second plates. The working portion extends beyond the outer edges of the first and second plates. A thickness of the first blade is smaller proximate the outer edge of the first plate than at the mounting pad to create a first gap between the first blade and the first plate at the outer edge.