The shell shape optimization and fluid–structure interaction simulation of hose pump in water-fertilizer integrated fertilizer application

As a new type of under-film drip irrigation, water-fertilizer integrated fertilizer application device in Northwest China, the hose pump has achieved excellent results in practical applications, but its pulsation has exhibited some adverse effects on the fertilization process. By analyzing the cause of pulsation and flow characteristics, we proposed a shell optimization method to reduce pulsation. We used a release time deformation curve as the shape curve of the outlet shell of the hose pump. Based on the fluid–structure interaction analysis, we developed a numerical model of an optimized three roller hose pump and a conventional three roller hose pump for dynamic simulations. The simulation results showed the optimized hose pump flow pressure variation range was reduced by 26.92%, the average fluid flow velocity increased by about 10%, and mass flow rate improved by 8.84% over the conventional hose pump. We tested the optimized hose pump prototype and the conventional hose pump on the test bench. The test results showed that the pulsating pressure variation range of the optimized pump decreased by about 20%, and flow output increased by about 8.63%. These results suggest that shell shape optimization assist in the decrease of flow pulsation and contribute to further hose pump popularization.