Numerical simulation of turbulent flow in the suction chamber of a gearpump using deforming mesh and mesh replacement

Recently several works have been published on numerical simulation of an external gear pump (EGP). Such kinds of pumps are simple and relatively inexpensive, and are frequently used in fluid power applications, such as fluid power in aeronautical, mechanical, and civil engineering. Nevertheless, considerable effort is being undertaken to improve efficiency and reduce noise and vibration produced by the flow and pressure pulsations. Numerical simulation of an EGP is not straightforward principally for two main reasons. First, the gearing mechanism between gears makes it difficult to handle a dynamic mesh without a considerable deterioration of mesh quality. Second, the dynamic metal-metal contact simulation is important when high pressure outflow has to be reproduced. The numerical studies published so far are based on a two-dimensional (2D) approximation. The aim of the present work is to contribute to the understanding of the fluid flow inside an EGP by means of a complete three-dimensional (3D) parallel simulation on a cluster. The 3D flow is simulated in a LINUX cluster with a solver developed with the OPENFOAM Toolbox. The hexahedral mesh quality is maintained by periodically replacing the mesh and interpolating the physical magnitudes fields. The meshing contact point is simulated with the viscous wall approach, using a viscosity model based on wall proximity. The results for the flow rate ripples show a similar behavior to that obtained with 2D simulations. However, the flow presents important differences inside the suction and the discharge chambers, principally in the regions of the pipes' connection. Moreover, the decompression slot below the gearing zone, which can not be simulated with a 2D approximation, enables a more realistic simulation of a contact ratio greater than 1. The results are compared with experimental measurements recently published.

Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation of an External Gear Pump With Decompression Slot and Meshing Contact Point

Experimental analysis of the flow dynamics in the suction chamber of an external gear pump

This article presents a numerical investigation of 2D turbulent flow within a double external gear pump. The configuration of the inlet and outlet ports is determined such that the double gear pump acts like the combination of two parallel pumps. The complex geometry of the double gear pump, existence of narrow gaps between rotating and stationary walls, and rapidly deforming flow domain make the numerical solution more complicated. In order to solve the mass, momentum, and energy conservation laws along with the k-e turbulence model, a second-order finite volume method has been used over a dynamically varying unstructured mesh. The numerical results including pressure contours, velocity vectors, flow patterns inside the suction chamber, leakage paths, and time variation of volumetric flow rate are presented in detail. The flow rate characteristic curves with linear behavior are demonstrated at rotational speeds and outlet pressures in the range of 1500–4000 rpm and 2–80 bar, respectively. The effect of reducing the gear-casing gap-size on the augmentation of the net flow rate has been investigated. It is concluded that the minimum oil pressure within the gear pump occurs at the two places between contacting gears near the inlet ports. The contours of vapor volume fraction are also illustrated.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Investigation of Turbulent Flow Inside a Rotary Double External Gear Pump

Study of two phase thermal stratification in cylindrical vessels: CFD simulations and PIV measurements

Analysis of the turbulence in the suction chamber of an external gear pump using Time Resolved Particle Image Velocimetry

This article provides a technical description of a flexible hinge for wind tunnel rigs. For academic purposes, the device was integrated into several rod flexures to build a home-made external wind balance system. The cylindrical elastic element incorporates several notches, and the flexure linkage is able to transmit force in the main axial direction without hindering perpendicular movement. The flexural element described here is simple and easily manufactured, and can also be used with other types of wind balance. The flexure described in this article has similar functionality to those mentioned in the reference section, but has a more compact element. The project’s effectiveness was demonstrated in a series of experimental comparisons of forces and moments measured on a wing using the N.A.C.A. Clark-Y airfoil profile.

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Flexible Rod Design for Educational Wind Balance

/pdf/flexible-rod-design-for-educational-wind-balance-flexible-522h5nzrrk.pdf

J. Wojciechowski

Papers

Analysis of the turbulence in the suction chamber of an external gear pump using Time Resolved Particle Image Velocimetry

Flexible Rod Design for Educational Wind Balance

Flexible Rod Design for Educational Wind Balance: Flexible Hinge