CFD modeling of cavitation in an axial piston pump
Abstract
A three-dimensional numerical model of hydraulic fluid flow and cavitation in an axial piston pump was developed using the commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code FLUENT. The model equations were based on the unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes or URANS approach and employed RNG & Standard κ – ϵ turbulence models with wall functions. The cavitation model was based on a homogeneous equilibrium model and involved solution of an additional void fraction and state equation. The rotating and reciprocating motions of the pump were handled using the dynamic and deforming grid features within FLUENT. Particular attention was paid to gridding the pre-compression and relief grooves associated with the valve plate and their potential role in cavitation inception within the pump. Validation of the simulation involved quantitative comparisons of predicted and measured chamber pressures and qualitative (visual) comparisons of cavitation erosion damage patterns void fraction contour plots. Results focused on the flow physics related with displacement chamber and valve plate transition regions and associated flow ripple and its role in structure born and air-borne noise.
Degree
M.S.M.E.
Advisors
Frankel, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Mechanical engineering
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