A method to reduce noise in hydraulic systems by optimizing pipe clamp locations

Abstract

This paper describes a novel technique to reduce noise and vibration in hydraulic systems. The approach involves finding the best hydraulic circuit mounting locations to avoid excessive coupling between the hydraulic pipes and the supporting structures. Using a well-developed transfer matrix method, the dynamic response to disturbance by fluid flow ripples can be predicted at all pipe locations. By making appropriate assumptions concerning the mounting impedance, the force and displacement parameters involved in clamping the pipes can be estimated. These results can be used to quantify the fitness of the hydraulic circuit in an optimization program using genetic algorithms. An example is included using a simple hydraulic rig. The predicted results for the best and worst clamping locations are compared. Experimental studies have confirmed that, with the optimal clamping locations, significant reductions in both noise and vibration were obtained.