Computational fluid dynamics integrated development of gerotor pump inlet components for engine lubrication

Abstract

Generated rotor (gerotor) pumps are widely used in the automotive industry for engine oil lubrication. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can be utilized as a useful design tool not only to optimize the flow performance of gerotor pumps but also to develop and finalize specifications for the gerotor pump inlet components. In this paper, a CFD integrated development process for the gerotor pump inlet components such as the suction pipe, strainer, and ports has been executed using a three-dimensional transient mathematical model. The effects of the rotor speed, strainer porosity, and number of ports on the pump performance have been investigated. The results showed that the inlet pipe size, the free area ratio of the strainer, and the sizing of the ports have vital roles in the suction capacity, flow velocity, and volumetric efficiency of the gerotor pump. The selected pump components based on CFD simulation were validated using physical test data, and good agreement was found.