A two-dimensional numerical analysis of a circular-arc gear pump operating at high pressures and high speeds

Abstract

This paper examines the flow field of a circular-arc gear pump operating at high pressures and high speeds by the commercial finite-volume-based code Fluent. The performance of circular-arc gear pump operating at high pressures and high speeds have been discussed. The mathematical model of the tooth profile is established. The pressures including gears mesh, outlet pressures, and outlet flow rate are studied under different rated outlet pressures and rotational speeds. There are dynamic pressures at clearance between chamber and tip circle of gear. Moreover, parts of radial leakages are prevented by dynamic pressures. The outlet pressures almost remain constant. However, there are strong pressure fluctuations in gears mesh under the high pressures and high speeds. The pressures are several times higher than the rated outlet pressure when the circular-arc gear pump operates at 10,000 r/min and 12,000 r/min. Gear meshing pressure fluctuations increase with the increase in rotational speeds. However, gear meshing pressure fluctuations decrease with the increase of outlet rate pressures. There are rotational speeds and outlet rate pressure critical points for gear meshing pressures, and the variation tendency of gear meshing pressures changes dramatically when it exceeds the critical points. Hence, the research results provide base model for circular-arc gear pump operating at high pressures and high speeds.