Selected Papers from the 2022 IEEE Global Fluid Power Society PhD Symposium (GFPS 2022)

A special issue of Fluids (ISSN 2311-5521).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 9751

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Engineering, Universita del Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy
Interests: study and optimization of components (pumps and valves) in fluid power

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Guest Editor
Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Via Claudio, 21, 80125 Naples, Italy
Interests: study and optimization of components (pumps and valves) in fluid power; internal combustion engine

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will host a collection of some of the best papers presented at the 2022 IEEE Global Fluid Power Society PhD Symposium (GFPS 2022). Every two years, a GFPS Symposium is organized by the Global Fluid Power Society for students, young researchers, and industries. The symposium aims to provide a platform for the technical community to present and discuss the most recent results of scientific and technological research for the fluid power industry, with particular emphasis to applications and new trends. Attention is focused on new technologies related to fluid power, power transmission, and motion control fields, among others. The Symposium will include technical presentations and a keynote speech given by experts. The program is designed to raise the interest of a wide group of researchers, operators, and decision makers from the fluid power field by presenting the most innovative solutions in this field from the scientific and technological point of view.

The following is a list of topics to be covered during the conference:

  • Pumps and motors;
  • Fluid power components, architectures and systems;
  • Control methodologies for fluid power systems and applications;
  • Novel energy efficient components and systems;
  • Digital and switched fluid power systems;
  • Fluid power drives and transmissions;
  • Safety, reliability, fault analysis and diagnosis;
  • Noise and vibration;
  • Fluid power in renewable energy, robotics, mechatronics and other applications;
  • Human scale, human interactive, and mobile self-powered fluid power;
  • Environmental aspects of fluid power;
  • Hydraulic fluids, materials and tribology;
  • Water hydraulics;
  • Pneumatic systems;
  • Industrial applications;
  • Mobile and aerospace applications. 

Dr. Emma Frosina
Prof. Dr. Adolfo Senatore
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • fluid power
  • fluid power components, architectures and systems
  • control methodologies for fluid power systems and applications
  • noise and vibration
  • pneumatic systems
  • mobile applications

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 1812 KiB  
Article
Hydromechanical Transmission IC2OC: Component Sizing and Optimization
by Nicola Andretta, Antonio Rossetti and Alarico Macor
Fluids 2024, 9(3), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids9030073 - 12 Mar 2024
Viewed by 802
Abstract
The IC2OC transmission is a continuous transmission whose layout can change from simple IC to simple OC configuration and vice versa. It was proposed to cover a wider range of vehicle speeds without adding gears. Its sizing can lead to higher efficiencies than [...] Read more.
The IC2OC transmission is a continuous transmission whose layout can change from simple IC to simple OC configuration and vice versa. It was proposed to cover a wider range of vehicle speeds without adding gears. Its sizing can lead to higher efficiencies than those of the IC and OC layouts. Therefore, this work deals with the sizing methodologies of this transmission. Two methodologies are proposed and discussed: the first uses the functional and constitutive equations of the transmission; the second is based on a mathematical programming problem. Both methodologies start from the choice of the full mechanical point speeds. The comparison between the two methods is carried out on the transmission of a commercially available 230 kW reach stacker. The comparison shows that the functional method, leaner and faster, can provide results very close to those obtained with the heavy and time-consuming optimization, provided that the values of the two full mechanical point speeds are the optimal ones for the two basic transmissions taken individually. Full article
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28 pages, 20572 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Simulation Methodologies for Spindle Pumps
by Pasquale Borriello, Emma Frosina, Pierpaolo Lucchesi and Adolfo Senatore
Fluids 2024, 9(2), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids9020044 - 09 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1274
Abstract
This research conducts a comprehensive comparative analysis of simulation methodologies for spindle pumps, with a specific focus on steady-state CFD, transient-CFD, and lumped-parameter approaches. Spindle pumps, renowned for their reliability, efficiency, and low noise emission, play a pivotal role in Thermal Management for [...] Read more.
This research conducts a comprehensive comparative analysis of simulation methodologies for spindle pumps, with a specific focus on steady-state CFD, transient-CFD, and lumped-parameter approaches. Spindle pumps, renowned for their reliability, efficiency, and low noise emission, play a pivotal role in Thermal Management for Battery Electric Vehicles, aligning with the automotive industry’s commitment to reducing pollutants and CO2 emissions. The study is motivated by the critical need to curtail energy consumption during on-the-road operations, particularly as the automotive industry strives for enhanced efficiency. While centrifugal pumps are commonly employed for such applications, their efficiency is highly contingent on rotational speed, leading to energy wastage in real-world scenarios despite high efficiency at the design point. Consequently, the adoption of precisely designed spindle pumps for thermal management systems emerges as a viable solution to meet evolving industry needs. Recognizing the profound impact of simulation tools on the design and optimization phases for pump manufacturers, this research emphasizes the significance of fast and accurate simulation tools. Transient-CFD emerges as a powerful Tool, enabling real-time monitoring of various performance indicators, while steady-CFD, with minimal simplifications, adeptly captures pressure distribution and machine leakages. Lumped-parameter approaches, though requiring effort in simulation setup and simplifying input geometry, offer rapid computational times and comprehensive predictions, including leakages, Torque, cavitation, and pressure ripple. Breaking new ground, this paper presents, for the first time in the literature, accurate simulation models for the same reference machine using the aforementioned methodologies. The results were rigorously validated against experiments spanning a wide range of pump speeds and pressure drops. The discussion encompasses predicted flow, Torque, cavitation, and pressure ripple, offering valuable insights into the strengths and limitations of each methodology. Full article
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18 pages, 29809 KiB  
Article
Degradation Identification of an EHA Piston Pump by Analysis of Load-Holding States
by Yannick Duensing, Amos Merkel and Katharina Schmitz
Fluids 2024, 9(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids9010014 - 02 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1348
Abstract
In pursuit of advancing the development of more electric aircraft, the present research explores the forefront capabilities of electro-hydrostatic actuators (EHAs) as potential replacements for conventional hydraulic flight control systems. EHAs are currently used primarily as backup options due to their limited durability. [...] Read more.
In pursuit of advancing the development of more electric aircraft, the present research explores the forefront capabilities of electro-hydrostatic actuators (EHAs) as potential replacements for conventional hydraulic flight control systems. EHAs are currently used primarily as backup options due to their limited durability. As of now, the high dynamic axial piston pump is the main cause of the limited longevity of the EHA, due to strong tribological wear. The primary objective of this investigation is the identification of parameters and pump behavior to determine the current wear of the pump, as well as providing valuable insights into run-ins, temperature dependencies, and wear-related efficiency losses for future pump improvements. In the scope of this paper, the design of EHAs is explained in detail and the impact of challenging working conditions on the health status of the pump by comprehensive analysis of load-holding modes is examined. The experimental data for analysis is conducted on a longevity test bench with test profiles specifically designed to simulate real-world operational scenarios. Full article
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18 pages, 6491 KiB  
Article
Simulation and Experimental Activity for the Evaluation of the Filling Capability in External Gear Pumps
by Alessandro Corvaglia, Massimo Rundo, Sara Bonati and Manuel Rigosi
Fluids 2023, 8(9), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids8090251 - 14 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1264
Abstract
Partial electrification of hydraulic circuits to achieve energy savings requires an increase in the angular speed of the positive displacement pumps, with the risk of incomplete filling. In this context, the paper focuses on developing a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model using SimericsMP+ [...] Read more.
Partial electrification of hydraulic circuits to achieve energy savings requires an increase in the angular speed of the positive displacement pumps, with the risk of incomplete filling. In this context, the paper focuses on developing a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model using SimericsMP+ for two external gear pumps, namely helical and spur type gears. The objective of this study is the analysis of the phenomena occurring on the suction side under conditions of incomplete filling at high speeds. Both CFD models have been validated by conducting experimental tests for measuring the flow rate delivered at various inlet pressures and angular speeds. The experimental results confirm the model’s capability to accurately detect the operating conditions at which the delivered flow rate starts to decrease due to the partial filling of the inter-teeth chambers. Furthermore, this paper investigates the effects of certain geometrical modifications to the spur gear pump. Specifically, the influence of the gear’s width-to-diameter ratio is studied, revealing that a lower ratio leads to slightly better filling. Conversely, increasing the inlet port diameter results in no improvement. Based on this study, the modelling approach appears to be accurate enough to serve as design tool for optimizing pumps to improve their filling capability. Full article
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18 pages, 5504 KiB  
Article
A Computation Fluid Dynamics Methodology for the Analysis of the Slipper–Swash Plate Dynamic Interaction in Axial Piston Pumps
by Gabriele Muzzioli, Fabrizio Paltrinieri, Luca Montorsi and Massimo Milani
Fluids 2023, 8(9), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids8090246 - 01 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1306
Abstract
This paper proposes a CFD methodology for the simulation of the slipper’s dynamics of a swash-plate axial piston unit under actual operating conditions. The study considers a typical slipper design, including a vented groove at the swash-plate interface. The dynamic fluid–body interaction (DFBI) [...] Read more.
This paper proposes a CFD methodology for the simulation of the slipper’s dynamics of a swash-plate axial piston unit under actual operating conditions. The study considers a typical slipper design, including a vented groove at the swash-plate interface. The dynamic fluid–body interaction (DFBI) model is exploited to find the instantaneous position of the slipper, while the morphing approach is adopted to cope with the corresponding mesh distortion. A modular approach is adopted to ensure high-quality mesh on the entire slipper surface and sliding interfaces provide the fluid dynamic connection between neighboring regions. The external forces acting on the slipper are included by means of user-defined lookup tables with the simulation estimating the lift force induced by fluid compression. Moreover, the force produced by the metal-to-metal contact between the slipper and the swash plate is modeled through a specific tool of the software. The pressure signal over an entire revolution of the pump is taken as an input of the simulation and a variable time step is used to manage the high-pressure gradients occurring in the regions of inner and outer dead points of the piston. The weakly compressible characteristic of the fluid is considered by a specific pressure-dependent density approach, and the two-equation eddy-viscosity k-ω SST (shear stress transport) model is used to assess the turbulent behavior of the flow. Furthermore, the transitional model predicts the onset of transition, thus solving different equations depending on whether the flow enters a laminar or turbulent regime. In conclusion, the proposed methodology investigates the motion of the slipper in response to several external forces acting on the component. The numerical results are discussed in terms of variable clearance height, pressure distribution within the gap, and lift forces acting on the slipper under specific pump operations. Full article
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17 pages, 8781 KiB  
Article
Development of a Numerical Approach for the CFD Simulation of a Gear Pump under Actual Operating Conditions
by Francesco Orlandi, Gabriele Muzzioli, Massimo Milani, Fabrizio Paltrinieri and Luca Montorsi
Fluids 2023, 8(9), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids8090244 - 28 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1218
Abstract
The geometric complexity and high-pressure gradients that characterize the design of the flow field of gear pumps make it very difficult to obtain an accurate CFD simulation of the component. Usually, assumptions are made both in terms of geometrical features and physics being [...] Read more.
The geometric complexity and high-pressure gradients that characterize the design of the flow field of gear pumps make it very difficult to obtain an accurate CFD simulation of the component. Usually, assumptions are made both in terms of geometrical features and physics being included in the analysis. The contact between the teeth, which is a key factor for the correct functioning of these pumps, represents a critical challenge in 3D CFD simulations, mainly due to the intrinsic limits of the dynamic meshing techniques that can hardly effectively manage a zero or close to zero gap point forming during gear rotation. The geometric complexity and high-pressure gradients that characterize the gear pump flow field make a CFD analysis quite difficult, and the contact between the gear teeth is usually avoided, thus being an extremely important feature. In this paper, a gear pump composed of inlet and outlet pipes was considered, and the contact between the gear’s teeth was modeled in two different ways, one where it is effectively implemented and one where it is avoided using distancing and a proper casing modification. Herein, a new methodology is proposed for the application of the dynamic mesh method in the Simcenter STAR-CCM+ environment using an adaptive remeshing technique. The proposed methodology is compared with the alternative overset meshing method available in the software. The new meshing method is implemented using a user-routing that reproduces the real geometry of the gears while rotating during the pump operation, with teeth contact included. The routine is optimized in order to limit the additional computation and time needed for the remeshing process. The results that can be obtained using the two meshing approaches for the gear pump are compared in terms of computational effort and the accuracy of the results. The two methods showed opposite results in almost all the reported results, with the overset being more precise in the radial pressure evaluation and the dynamic being more reliable in the cavitation/aeration extension cloud. Full article
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20 pages, 6783 KiB  
Article
Helical Gear Pump: A Comparison between a Lumped Parameter and a Computational Fluid Dynamics-Based Approaches
by Pietro Mazzei, Emma Frosina and Adolfo Senatore
Fluids 2023, 8(7), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids8070193 - 27 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1312
Abstract
This research presents a comparison between two numerical approaches developed and later compared for studying External Gear Pumps (EGPs). Models have been developed for studying pumps with helical gears. Firstly, a three-dimensional (3D) CFD numerical model has been built using a commercial code. [...] Read more.
This research presents a comparison between two numerical approaches developed and later compared for studying External Gear Pumps (EGPs). Models have been developed for studying pumps with helical gears. Firstly, a three-dimensional (3D) CFD numerical model has been built using a commercial code. Then, a new tool called EgeMATor MP+, completely developed by the authors and capable of completely simulating this pump’s typologies is presented. Thanks to different subroutines developed in different interconnected environments, this tool can fully analyze those pumps, starting from the drawing. Both numerical approaches have been detailed, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses and the tweaking required to reach more accurate results. Both numerical models have been set up with the same boundary conditions to obtain a more accurate comparison. Comparisons have been performed using tests performed on a commercial pump taken as reference, focusing on steady-state volumetric performance as well as the transient features of the outlet port pressure oscillations. The comparison of the (Q,p) characteristics showed that the 3D CFD numerical model has a slightly better accuracy, but both models have errors that fall into the uncertainty range of the experimental measurements. In addition, the pressure ripples comparison verified good agreements, where also the double flank behavior of the pump is predicted. While comparing the two simulation approaches, the paper highlights the limits and strengths of each one of the two approaches. In particular, it is shown how both models can match the experimental results considering proper assumptions. The paper constitutes a unique contribution to the field of numerical simulation of EGPs and represents a useful reference to designers looking for suitable methods for simulating existing or novel design solutions. Full article
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