An Empirical Model for the Churning Losses Prediction of Fluid Flow Analysis in Axial Piston Pumps

Abstract

The manufacturing development of axial piston pumps usually takes the trend of high speed and miniaturization, and increases power density. Axial piston pumps are usually characterized as high speed to improve the power density; thus, high-speed churning losses caused by the internal rotating components stirring the oil can increase significantly. In order to improve the efficiency, more attention should be given to the churning losses in axial piston pumps, especially in high-speed conditions. Using the method of least-squares curve fitting, this paper establishes a series of formulas based on the churning losses test rig over a wide range of speeds, which enable accurate predictions of churning losses on the cylinder block and pistons. The reduction coefficient of flow resistance of multi-pistons as calculated. The new churning losses formula devoted to the cylinder block and rotating pistons was validated by comparison with experimental evidence in different geometries of axial piston pumps. According to the prediction model of churning losses, some valuable guidance methods are proposed to reduce the energy losses of the axial piston pump, which are the theoretical support for the miniaturization of axial piston pump manufacturing.