Analysis of straight conjugate internal gear pump through numerical modeling and experimental validation

As a medium and low pressure gear machine without automatic compensation structure for axial and radial clearances, the friction pairs in the straight conjugate internal gear pumps (SCIGPs) depend on the fixed small clearances to seal, lubricate and transfer the force. The oil film design of the friction pairs has become an important part of gear pump design. However, there has never been a publicly published research on the oil film design of the SCIGP in past literature. This paper applies orthogonal test to the oil film design of the SCIGP for the first time to determine the best working clearances. With this goal, the paper first provides the mathematical models for analyzing the internal leakage flow and the viscous friction loss, which elucidate the relationships between the leakage and the friction loss with working conditions. After that, the orthogonal test scheme for numerical simulation was designed on the basis of determining the range of oil film thickness. The paper also propounds the viewpoints of using the range-method to estimate the primary and secondary relationship of factors and determining the optimal combination according to the test target. Based on this concept, the main factors affecting the target are procured and the optimal working clearances of the friction pairs are determined. For the purpose of verifying the model, the redesigned prototype was tested and compared with the simulation results. The results validate the applicability of the simulation model and the correctness of the simulation method. Finally, the paper summarizes the ways to improve the total efficiency and the working conditions at the highest efficiency.