Analysis of Flow Characteristics of Straight Conjugate Crescent Gear Pump at Variable Working Conditions

Abstract

The working conditions (i.e., gas content, working pressure, and working temperature) of oil in the actual hydraulic system are always in a dynamic process, which will cause the basic properties of oil (i.e., density, absolute viscosity, and effective bulk modulus) to change and further generate changes of the flow characteristics in the straight conjugate crescent gear pump (SCCGP). However, no clear explanation has been given for the variation of the flow characteristics of the SCCGP with the working conditions in previous studies. This paper first expounds the gear pair profile equations used to draw the tooth profile curves and the equation applicable to the calculation of the geometric displacement at the given geometric parameters. Subsequently, the mathematical models of the oil’s basic properties are analyzed, and it is explained how the changing working conditions affect the changes in oil properties. After that, the paper designs an orthogonal test scheme and applies it to the study of the flow characteristics of the SCCGP for the first time to optimize its working conditions. Then, the paper performs simulations in commercial CFD numerical software, and the change laws of the internal flow field, flow pulsation, pressure pulsation, volumetric efficiency, and total efficiency of the SCCGP at different working conditions are analyzed in detail. The working conditions for decreasing pulse rate and improving total efficiency are summarized. Finally, for model validation purposes, the paper elucidates the construction process of a high-pressure positive displacement pump test system and carried out experimental research. The simulation and actual measurement results are compared under the same working conditions. The results validate the accuracy of the simulation model and the potential for future analytical studies.