Research on Flow Characteristics of Straight Line Conjugate Internal Meshing Gear Pump

Abstract

The improvement of the overall performance of hydraulic pumps is the basis of intelligent hydraulics. Taking the straight line conjugate internal meshing gear pump as the research object, the theoretical flow rate and the geometric flow pulsation rate equations are established in this study through the volume change method. The change laws of the gear pair’s geometric parameters on the theoretical flow rate and the geometric flow pulsation rate are studied. The simulation model of the internal flow channel is established, and the influence factors and the influence degree of the flow pulsation and average flow rate are analyzed. The high-pressure positive displacement pump test system is also designed and built. The performance evaluations are conducted, and the experimental results are analyzed. The results show that the periodic change of the meshing point position is the root cause of the geometric flow pulsation. The theoretical flow rate and the geometric flow pulsation rate are 103.71 L/min and 1.76%, respectively. To increase the theoretical flow rate whilst decreasing the geometric flow pulsation rate, the tip circle radius of the external gear should be increased as much as possible within the allowable range of the design calculation. Amongst the three influencing factors that produce flow pulsation, the oil compressibility has no effect on the flow pulsation. The uneven internal leakage is the main factor, and the geometric flow pulsation only accounts for a small proportion. The internal leakage reduces the simulated flow rate by 3.59 L/min. The difference between the experimental and simulated flow rates is less than 2%. Within the allowable speed range, the rotation speed of the external gear should be increased as much as possible to increase the average flow rate and the volumetric efficiency.