An adjustable oil film thickness test rig for detecting lubrication characteristics of slipper/swash-pair in piston pumps

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose an adjustable oil film thickness test rig for detecting lubrication characteristics of the slipper. The mathematical analysis of lubrication is introduced. Based on the results from the test rig, the results comparison from test rig and mathematical analysis is carried out. Design/methodology/approach This paper introduces a mechanism which can adjust the oil film thickness between the slipper and swash-plate. Feasibility is ensured, and the accuracy of test rig is guaranteed by the three-coordinate measuring machine. Three displacement sensors show the oil film thickness and its shape. The reacting force and torque resulting from oil film can be achieved by three S-type force sensors and a torque sensor, respectively. Findings The relative error of the reacting force is small. The relative error reduces and is acceptable when the deformation of retainer is taken into account. The thickness and tilt angle of oil film have less effect on the reacting force. However, they are significantly impact on torque. Originality/value The test rig proposed in this paper is able to adjust the oil film thickness, which is used to detecting the lubrication characteristics in pump design. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-05-2020-0166/