High Pressure Lifesense Hydraulic Hose

Grant M Knies, Purdue University

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to aid in the development of Eaton Corporation's LifeSense program by developing a hydraulic hose rated for high pressure use but also utilizing the LifeSense technology. Eaton supplied samples of current and newly mixed rubber compounds, which were used in various lab bench testing to determine usable compounds for the hose prototypes. The lab bench tests were completed using an Agilent LCR meter and Dielectric Test Fixture. New capacitance bridge hose construction designs were developed at Purdue, and the materials for the prototype were selected from the list of supplied materials. Selections of materials were made based on prior work done by researchers at Purdue, including Michael McCoy and Timu Gallien. Hose construction was done by Eaton and sample hoses were tested in the lab using an impulse testing chamber. The resistance data was collected in an Excel file and presented to Purdue in graphical form. Only five samples out of two different series of tests did not fail as a result of fittings blown off of the end of the hose. Furthermore, only one of the five samples produced results as expected, but there was considerable noise present in the data. Ultimately, there was not enough testing to draw conclusive results. The resistance monitoring methods used by Eaton were insufficient to predict failure because the designs are based on a capacitance bridge. It is recommended that, for the advancement of the research, Eaton monitor both capacitance and resistance on future testing. It was also advised that when a sample shows fluctuation in data at mid-life, as seen in some of the results, hoses be removed from test and dissected to determine if the actual cause of fluctuations is a result of the failures trying to be detected.

Degree

M.S.A.B.E.

Advisors

Krutz, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Intellectual Property|Engineering|Agricultural engineering|Mechanical engineering

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