processes

Article
Analysis of the Influence of Structure and Parameters of Axial
Piston Pump on Flow Pulsation
Ruichuan Li 1, *, Qi Liu 1 , Yi Cheng 2 , Jilu Liu 1 , Qiyou Sun 1 , Yisheng Zhang 1 and Yurong Chi 3

1 School of Mechanical Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences),

Jinan 250353, China
2 Jinlei Technology Co., Ltd., Jinan 271100, China
3 Rizhao Haizhuo Hydraulic Co., Ltd., Rizhao 276800, China
* Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +86-187-6397-0066

Abstract: In view of the working principle of a swashplate axial piston pump, a simulation model of
the piston pump was built in AMESim and its output flow pulsation characteristics were simulated
and analyzed. We mainly analyzed the influence of the speed of the prime mover, the swashplate
angle, the diameter of the piston, and port plate structure on the flow pulsation of the piston pump.
The result of this research shows that the port plate structure, the swashplate angle, and the speed of
the prime mover have an important influence on the flow pulsation of the piston pump. In order to
effectively reduce the flow pulsation generated by the piston pump and reduce the noise generated
in the process of flow distribution, the opening of the pre-compression angle and misalignment angle
of the port plate of the piston pump must be reduced appropriately and the swashplate angle and the
rotation speed of the prime mover should be controlled within a certain range. The flow pulsation
of the axial piston pump decreases with the increase of the piston number and the decrease in the
misalignment angle. The research results provide a reference for reducing the flow pulsation of the
Citation: Li, R.; Liu, Q.; Cheng, Y.; axial piston pump.
Liu, J.; Sun, Q.; Zhang, Y.; Chi, Y.
Analysis of the Influence of Structure Keywords: axial piston pump; flow pulsation; port plate structure; theoretical analysis
and Parameters of Axial Piston Pump
on Flow Pulsation. Processes 2022, 10,
2138. https://doi.org/10.3390/
pr10102138 1. Introduction
Academic Editors: Wenjie Wang, Swashplate axial piston pumps are widely used in heavy machinery, aerospace, min-
Giorgio Pavesi, Jin-Hyuk Kim, Ji Pei ing and metallurgy, and a lot of hydraulic equipment because of its high efficiency, ad-
and Lijian Shi equate sealing, long service life, excellent high-pressure transmission performance, and
Received: 28 September 2022
large displacement adjustment range. However, concerning the structural characteristics
Accepted: 17 October 2022
and working characteristics of the axial piston pump, its piston chambers are constantly
Published: 20 October 2022
switched with the oil suction chambers and discharge chambers during the flow distribu-
tion and instantaneous pressure changes occur, which inevitably produce flow pulsation
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral
phenomena in the operation process. The common structure of swashplate axial piston
with regard to jurisdictional claims in
pump is shown in Figure 1.
published maps and institutional affil-
Flow pulsation is bound to cause pressure pulsation. Both types of pulsations directly
iations.
affect the service life and performance of the pump and produce a lot of noise, consequently
affecting the performance of the entire hydraulic system. Therefore, it is of great significance
to study the flow pulsation characteristics of swashplate axial piston pumps to improve
Copyright: © 2022 by the authors.
their performance. Many scholars and experts have conducted in-depth research on the
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. piston pump [1,2]. Xu et al. [3] calculated the displacement, velocity, and acceleration
This article is an open access article of the plunger in a plunger pump based on kinematic equations and performed numer-
distributed under the terms and ical simulations of the flow pulsation and frequency characteristics of a multi-plunger
conditions of the Creative Commons swashplate-connecting rod pump. The effects of the number of plungers, swashplate
Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// inclination angle, speed, diameter, and ball and socket reference circle position on the flow
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ pulsation and frequency characteristics of the pump were investigated. Liu et al. [4] took
4.0/). the swashplate axial piston pump of a hydraulic drive system in agricultural machinery

Processes 2022, 10, 2138. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10102138 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/processes

Processes 2022, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 2 of 19

Processes 2022, 10, 2138 2 of 18

on the flow pulsation and frequency characteristics of the pump were investigated. Liu et
al. [4] took the swashplate axial piston pump of a hydraulic drive system in agricultural
machinery as the research object and simulated and calculated the influence of each pa‐
as the research object and simulated and calculated the influence of each parameter on
rameter on the flow and pressure pulsation of swashplate axial piston pump under the
the flow and pressure pulsation of swashplate axial piston pump under the requirements
requirements of working conditions, so as to provide the theoretical basis for the selection
of working conditions, so as to provide the theoretical basis for the selection of power
of power components of an agricultural machinery drive system. Gao [5] simulated and
components of an agricultural machinery drive system. Gao [5] simulated and analyzed the
analyzed the flow
flow pulsation pulsation phenomenon
phenomenon in the hydraulic in the hydraulicmodel
simulation simulation model by
by changing changing
parameters,
parameters, such as the swashplate inclination angle, damping hole
such as the swashplate inclination angle, damping hole diameter, number of plungers, and diameter, number of
plungers, and rotational speed to obtain the optimal combination
rotational speed to obtain the optimal combination of parameters. Zhang [6] used CFD of parameters. Zhang
[6] used CFD
technology totechnology to visually
visually simulate simulate
the split the split
flow process flow
that process
causes flowthat causesinflow
pulsation the pul‐
axial
sation in the axial piston pump, analyzed the location of flow pulsation
piston pump, analyzed the location of flow pulsation and cavitation in the matching flow and cavitation in
the matching flow process, and obtained parameters, such as flow
process, and obtained parameters, such as flow field pulsation rate, under different speeds field pulsation rate,
under different
and loads. Kojima speeds and[7]loads.
E et al. Kojima
took the pumpingE et al. [7] took the
mechanism andpumping mechanism
fluid pulsation caused andby
fluid
fluidpulsation causedinto
compressibility, by fluid compressibility,
consideration into consideration
and established and established
a mathematical model of athe math‐
flow
ematical
pulsationmodelof theof the flow
piston pump. pulsation
Through of the
theexperimental
piston pump.verification,
Through the experimental
it was concludedveri‐that
fication, it was concluded that the flow pulsation of the piston pump
the flow pulsation of the piston pump is mainly due to the fluid compressibility caused is mainly due to the
fluid compressibility caused by the higher load pressure and
by the higher load pressure and the influence of the pumping mechanism on the flowthe influence of the pumping
mechanism
pulsation can onalmost
the flowbepulsation can almost
ignored. Maxim et al.be[8]ignored.
used CAE Maxim et al.SimulationX,
software [8] used CAEapply-soft‐
ware SimulationX,
ing the applying characteristic
pipeline simulation the pipeline simulation
method to characteristic
the calculation method to thepulsation
of pressure calcula‐
tion of piston
of the pressure pulsation
pump, of the piston
and solved pump,ofand
the problem thesolved
pressurethepulsation
problem of the pressure
calculation of a
pulsation
high-pressure calculation
piston of a high‐pressure
pump piston pump
under the influence under the
of a complex influence
pipe network. of aLicomplex
[9] took
pipe network.
the closed axialLipiston
[9] took the closed
variable axial piston
displacement pump variable
as thedisplacement
research object pump as the re‐
and combined
search object and
the theoretical combined
analysis and the theoretical
numerical analysistoand
simulation numerical
study simulation
the influence of thetoinstallation
study the
influence
angle of the of the
portinstallation
plate (namely angletheofmisalignment
the port plateangle) (namelyandthe misalignment
different workingangle) and
conditions
different working conditions
on the swashplate on the swashplate
torque characteristics torque characteristics
and instantaneous flow output and instantaneous
characteristics of
the piston
flow outputpump. characteristics of the piston pump.

Figure
Figure 1.
1. Structural
Structuralschematic
schematicdiagram
diagramof
of swashplate
swashplate axial
axial piston
piston pump.
pump. 1—Port
1—Portplate;
plate; 2—back
2—back
cover; 3—piston; 4—sliding boot; 5—swashplate; 6—drive shaft; 7—ball hinges; 8—return disc;
cover; 3—piston; 4—sliding boot; 5—swashplate; 6—drive shaft; 7—ball hinges; 8—return disc; 9—
central spring.
9—central spring.

The
The flow
flow pulsation
pulsation makes
makes the the hydraulic
hydraulic system system unstable
unstable when
when working
working andand even
even
causes
causes the failure
failure ofofthe
thehydraulic
hydraulicsystem
system if itifisitserious.
is serious.
Some Some scholars
scholars havehave also con‐
also conducted
ducted
a lot ofaresearch
lot of research
on how onto
how to reduce
reduce the flow
the flow pulsation.
pulsation. HanHan [10] [10] optimized
optimized the the struc‐
structural
tural parameters
parameters of theofaxial
the axial
pistonpiston
pump pump andstructure
and the the structure
of theofdamping
the damping
groovegroove
of theofport
the
port
plateplate to study
to study thethe influence
influence of of different
different structureson
structures onthe
theflow
flow pulsation
pulsation and
and pressure
pressure
pulsation and
pulsation and seek waysways to
to reduce
reducethetheflow
flowpulsation
pulsationand andpressure
pressure pulsation, which
pulsation, whichfurther
fur‐
provided
ther provideda theoretical basis
a theoretical forfor
basis thethe
optimization
optimizationand andimprovement
improvementof of the axial piston
piston
pump. Han
pump. Hanet etal.
al.[11]
[11]conducted
conductedaasimulation
simulationstudy studyon onaatype
typeof ofpiston
pistonpump
pumpby byFLUENT
FLUENT
software. The pulsation situation was positively correlated with the depth angle α and then
negatively correlated with the increase of θ while the opening angle α has a greater effect
on the flow pulsation when θ is low. A larger overflow area is beneficial to improve the
Processes 2022, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 19

software. The pulsation situation was positively correlated with the depth angle α and
then negatively correlated with the increase of θ while the opening angle α has a greater
Processes 2022, 10, 2138 3 of 18
effect on the flow pulsation when θ is low. A larger overflow area is beneficial to improve
the flow pulsation trough and, based on the proposed study, to optimize the parameters
and effectively reduce the pulsation of the piston pump outlet flow and pressure. Li et al.
flowverified
[12] pulsation trough
a way and,
to set based on the proposed
a pre‐compression chamberstudy, to optimize
at the front endtheofparameters
the triangularand
effectively reduce the pulsation of the piston pump outlet flow and pressure.
groove of the port plate to reduce the flow pulsation through PumpLinx simulation soft‐ Li et al. [12]
verified a way to set a pre-compression chamber at the front end of the
ware. The results showed that when the speed and outlet pressure change, the pre‐com‐ triangular groove
of the port plate to reduce the flow pulsation through PumpLinx simulation software.
pression chamber can better reduce the flow pulsation.
The results showed that when the speed and outlet pressure change, the pre-compression
For this reason, through the simulation analysis of the flow pulsation of the swash‐
chamber can better reduce the flow pulsation.
plate piston pump, we studied the flow pulsation characteristics of the piston pump under
For this reason, through the simulation analysis of the flow pulsation of the swashplate
the prime mover speed, swashplate angle, plunger diameter, and port plate structure, and
piston pump, we studied the flow pulsation characteristics of the piston pump under the
explored the action characteristics of different parameters on the flow pulsation of the
prime mover speed, swashplate angle, plunger diameter, and port plate structure, and
piston pump under typical working conditions by constantly changing relevant parame‐
explored the action characteristics of different parameters on the flow pulsation of the
ters. This paper provides a relevant theoretical basis for the optimal design for reducing
piston pump under typical working conditions by constantly changing relevant parameters.
the flow pulsation of the swashplate piston pump.
This paper provides a relevant theoretical basis for the optimal design for reducing the flow
The structure of this paper is as follows: In the second part, a mathematical model of
pulsation of the swashplate piston pump.
the axial piston pump is presented along with the theoretical analysis of its kinematic and
The structure of this paper is as follows: In the second part, a mathematical model of
flow pulsation
the axial pistoncharacteristics.
pump is presentedIn the third
along part,
with thean AMESimanalysis
theoretical model of thekinematic
of its axial pistonand
pump is demonstrated
flow pulsation and theIn
characteristics. influence
the thirdofpart,
eachanfactor
AMESimon the flow of
model pulsation
the axialofpiston
the piston
pump
pump is discussed.
is demonstrated andThe
thefourth part of
influence introduces theon
each factor experimental bench built
the flow pulsation of thefor this study
piston pump
asis well as the conducted experimental verification. In the fifth part, the
discussed. The fourth part introduces the experimental bench built for this study relevant conclu‐as
well are
sions provided.
as the conducted experimental verification. In the fifth part, the relevant conclusions
are provided.
2. Working Principle, Kinematics, and Output Flow Analysis of Swashplate Axial
Piston PumpPrinciple, Kinematics, and Output Flow Analysis of Swashplate Axial
2. Working
Piston Pump
2.1. Working Principle and Kinematics Analysis of Swashplate Axial Piston Pump
2.1. Working Principle and Kinematics Analysis of Swashplate Axial Piston Pump
The main working components of a swashplate axial piston pump (structure diagram
Thein
is shown main working
Figure 2) arecomponents of a swashplate
the swashplate, axialdrive
cylinder block, piston pump
shaft, (structure
piston, slidingdiagram
boot,
is shown in Figure 2) are the swashplate, cylinder block, drive shaft, piston,
return disc, port plate, etc. [13,14]. The swashplate angle is γ. Under constant working sliding boot,
return disc, port plate, etc. [13,14]. The swashplate angle is γ. Under constant
conditions, when the prime mover drives the cylinder block to rotate through the drive working
conditions,
shaft, due to when the of
the effect prime mover drives
the swashplate, thethe cylinder
piston block
is forced toto rotate
make through
periodic the drive
reciprocat‐
shaft, due to the effect of the swashplate, the piston is forced to make periodic reciprocating
ing movements in the cylinder block and the volumes of the sealing chambers between
movements in the cylinder block and the volumes of the sealing chambers between each
each plunger and the cylinder block increase and decrease accordingly. Oil absorption
plunger and the cylinder block increase and decrease accordingly. Oil absorption and
and drainage are achieved through the arc oil absorption window and oil drainage win‐
drainage are achieved through the arc oil absorption window and oil drainage window of
dow of the port plate [15].
the port plate [15].

Figure 2. Structural principle of swashplate axial piston pump.

As shown in Figure 3, the plunger ball head center and the cylinder center axis
intersection as the O point, the vertical plane inward for the X-axis direction, the plunger
Processes 2022, 10, 2138 4 of 18

Processes 2022, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 19

movement to the upper dead center direction for the Y-axis direction, the plunger in the
cylinder body contraction
Figure 2. Structural direction
principle of foraxial
swashplate the Z-axis direction (to establish the coordinate
piston pump.
system), the plunger movement to the upper dead center, its ball head center position
for A,As
the plunger
shown with the
in Figure cylinder
3, the plungerrotation ϕ angle,
ball head centerthe
andplunger ball head
the cylinder center
center from
axis inter‐
A movement to B, and its rotation in the cylinder center axis direction relative
section as the O point, the vertical plane inward for the X‐axis direction, the plunger move‐ to the
displacement of the cylinder S can be obtained as in:
ment to the upper dead center direction for the Y‐axis direction, the plunger in the cylin‐
der body contraction direction for the Z‐axis direction (to establish the coordinate system),
S = BC = AC × tan γ (1)
the plunger movement to the upper dead center, its ball head center position for A, the
plunger with the cylinder rotationACφ=angle,
AD = theRplunger
(1 − cos ball
ϕ) head center from A movement (2)
to B, and its rotation in the cylinder center axis direction relative to the displacement of
where ϕ—angle
the cylinder of be
S can plunger as in: block), R—radius of plunger distribution circle.
(cylinder
obtained

Figure 3.
Figure 3. Motion
Motion diagram
diagram of
of swashplate
swashplate axial
axial piston
piston pump.
pump.

As shown in Figure 3, after the position rotates from the maximum extension position
S  B C  A C  ta n  (1)
ϕ, its displacement S, relative to the cylinder block in the direction of the cylinder block
AC  AD  R 1  cos 
rotation center axis, is: (2)
S = R tan γ(1 − cos ϕ) (3)
where φ—angle of plunger (cylinder block), R—radius of plunger distribution circle.
When the piston
As shown pump
in Figure is in the
3, after the position
process of dynamic
rotates from response,
the maximum the axial motion speed
extension of
position
aφ,single piston relative to the cylinder block is obtained from the derivation
its displacement S, relative to the cylinder block in the direction of the cylinder block of displacement
Srotation
in Equation
center(3) υ for:
axis, is:
S 2 γ 1 ϕcos
1 − cos  tan γ sin ϕ
) + dt
h i
υ = dS = R dγ sec R(tan dϕ
(3)
dt
. dt (4)
2 . 
When the piston = pump
R γ sec γ(the
is in 1 −process
cos ϕ) +ofϕdynamic
tan γ sin response,
ϕ the axial motion speed
of a single piston relative to the cylinder block is obtained from . the derivation of displace‐
where t—the plunger rotates
ment S in. Equation (3) υ for: ϕ movement time of angle, γ—swashplate swing angular
velocity, ϕ = ω—rotation angle speed of cylinder block.
In the order dS/dϕ =dS0, it can  d be concluded that dwhen  ϕ = π, S obtains the maxi-
  R  sec2  1  cos    tan  sin  
mum value. dt  dt dt  (4)
S2 max = S ϕ=π = 2R tan γ (5)
 R  sec  1  cos     tan  sin  
It can be concluded that the geometric displacement of the piston pump is:
where t—the plunger rotates φ movement time of angle,  —swashplate swing angular
velocity,    —rotation angle Qv = AzSmax
speed = 2AzRblock.
of cylinder tan γ (6)
In the order dS / d   0 , it can be concluded that when φ = π, S obtains the maximum
where A—cross sectional area of single plunger, z—number of plungers.
value.The average theoretical flow of the piston pump is:
m ax S
   S  2 R ta n  (5)
nzAR tan γ
Qt = nQv /60 = (7)
30
It can be concluded that the geometric displacement of the piston pump is:
Qv  AzS max  2 AzR tan  (6)
where A—cross sectional area of single plunger, z—number of plungers.
The average theoretical flow of the piston pump is:
Processes 2022, 10, 2138 5 of 18

2.2. Output Flow Analysis of Swashplate Axial Piston Pump under Variable Operating Conditions
When the pump is in the process of dynamic response, considering the swing of the
swashplate, the movement speed of a single piston relative to the cylinder block can be
obtained from Equation (4):
h. .
i
υ = R γ sec2 γ(1 − cos ϕi ) + ϕ tan γ sin ϕi (8)

Instantaneous flow when oil is drained from a single piston Q0i is:

Q0i = Aυi
. .
= ARγ sec2 γ(1 − cos ϕi ) + ϕ tan γ sin ϕi

. (9)
γ sec2 γ[1 − cos( ϕ1 + (i − 1)α)]
= AR .
+ ϕ tan γ sin( ϕ1 + (i − 1)α)

Assuming that the number of pistons in the oil drainage area is m, the instantaneous
theoretical flow Q0 of the piston pump is:
m
Q0 = Q01 + Q02 + Q03 + . . . + Q0m = ∑ Q0i
 . i =1
γ sec2 γ[1 − cos( ϕ1 + (i − 1)α)]

m
= AR ∑ .
i =1 +"ϕ tan γ sin( ϕ1 + (i − 1)α)#
sin mα cos ϕ1 +
( m −1) α (10)
. 2 2
= ARγ sec2 γ m− sin α
2
 
mα ( m −1) α
. sin 2 sin ϕ1 + 2
+ AR ϕ tan γ sin α
2

2.2.1. Theoretical Analysis of Flow Pulsation in Odd-Numbered Piston Pump

Usually, the number of pistons z of the plunger pump is odd. In this case, there
are two cases of the number of pistons m located in the oil drainage area at a certain
moment [16–19].
When 0 ≤ ϕ1 < α2 , m = z+2 1 , substitute m into Equation (10) and simplify it to produce:
"  #
( z +1) π ( z −1) π
. sin 2z cos ϕ1 + 2z
z +1
Q0 = ARγ sec2 γ 2 − sin π
z
  (11)
( z +1) π ( z −1) π
. sin 2z sin ϕ1 + 2z
+ AR ϕ tan γ sin π
z

By analyzing the flow pulsation of the piston pump, the Formulas (8) and (11) can
be obtained:  
( z +1) π ( z −1) π

. sin 2z cos ϕ1 + 2z
30γ sec2 γ z+ 1
2 −

sin π
z
Q0
Q0 0 = Qt = (12)
.
  nz tan γ
( z +1) π ( z −1) π
30 ϕ sin 2z sin ϕ1 + 2z
+ nz sin π
z

z −1
When α
2 ≤ ϕ1 ≤ α, m = 2 , substitute m into Equation (10) and simplify it:

z −1
 
. 2
Q0 = ARγ sec2 γ

( z −1) π ( z −3) π
sin 2z cos ϕ1 + 2z 
− sinπz (13)

( z −1) π ( z −3) π
. sin 2z sin ϕ1 + 2z
+ AR ϕ tan γ sin π
z
 Processes 2022, 10, 2138 6 of 18

By analyzing the flow pulsation of the piston pump, the Formulas (8) and (13) can
be obtained:
Q0 0 = Q
Qt
0
 
( z −1) π ( z −3) π

. sin 2z cos ϕ1 + 2z
30γ sec2 γ z− 1
2 −

sin πz (14)
=
.
 nz tan γ 
( z −1) π ( z −3) π
30 ϕ sin 2z sin ϕ1 + 2z
+ nz sin π
z

2.2.2. Theoretical Analysis of Flow Pulsation of Even-Numbered Piston Pump

z
For piston pumps with an even number of pistons z, m = 2. Substitute m into
Equation (10) and simplify it:
"  #
( z −2) π
. cos ϕ1 + 2z
z
Q0 = ARγ sec2 γ 2 − sin πz
  (15)
( z −2) π
. sin ϕ1 + 2z
+ AR ϕ tan γ sin π
z

By analyzing the flow pulsation of the piston pump, the Formulas (8) and (15) can
be obtained:  
( z −2) π

. cos ϕ1 + 2z
30γ sec2 γ 2z − 
sin πz
Q0
Q0 0 = Qt = nz tan γ (16)
.

( z −2) π
30 ϕ sin ϕ1 + 2z
+ nz sin π
z

Take the rotating speed of the prime mover as n = 1500 r/min and the inclined angle
.
of the swashplate as γ = 10◦ , let K = γ
. .
ϕ
Let K be the variable speed ratio [20], take K as
0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, and 0.03, and when the number of plungers is nine, in 0 ≤ ϕ1 < α/2 and
α/2 ≤ ϕ1 ≤ α cases, the output flow pulsation curve of the nine-piston pump under variable
Processes 2022, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 1
working conditions can be obtained by running MATLAB for simulation analysis, as shown
in Figure 4.

Figure4.4.Output
Figure Output flow
flow pulsation
pulsation curve
curve of piston
of piston pumppump
with 9with 9 pistons.
pistons.

When
Whenthe thenumber
numberof pistons is 10,
of pistons is the
10,output flow pulsation
the output curve of
flow pulsation the ten-piston
curve of the ten‐piston
pump under variable working conditions can be obtained by using MATLAB for simulation
pump under variable working conditions can be obtained by using MATLAB for simula
analysis, as shown in Figure 5.
tion analysis, as shown in Figure 5.
 Figure 4. Output flow pulsation curve of piston pump with 9 pistons.

When the number of pistons is 10, the output flow pulsation curve of the ten‐piston
Processes 2022, 10, 2138 7 of 18
pump under variable working conditions can be obtained by using MATLAB for simula‐
tion analysis, as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5.
Figure 5. Output
Output flow
flow pulsation
pulsation curve
curve of
of piston
piston pump
pump with
with10
10pistons.
pistons.

The
The corresponding
corresponding output
output flow
flow pulsation
pulsation rate
rate values
values ofof nine-
nine‐ and
and ten-piston
ten‐piston pumps
pumps
can
can be
be obtained
obtained from
from the
thedata
datashown
shownin inFigures
Figures44and
and5,5,as
asshown
shownin inTable
Table1.1.

Table1.1.Output
Table Outputflow
flowpulsation
pulsationrate
ratewith
withdifferent
differentpiston
pistonpump
pumpvariable
variablespeed
speedratios.
ratios.

K (Variable
K (Variable Speed Ratios) 0.0001
Speed Ratios) 0.0001
0.001 0.0010.01 0.01 0.03
0.03
Pulsation (γ =
rate δ1/%rate
Pulsation 10◦ ,(z=9)10  , z =1.47
δ1/% 9) 1.47
1.83 1.834.78 4.78 11.97
11.97
Pulsation rate δ1/% (γ = 10◦ , z=10)
10  5.01 5.18 7.0 12.03
Pulsation rate δ1/% ( , z = 10) 5.01 5.18 7.0 12.03
Processes 2022, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 19
The
The flow
flow pulsation
pulsation change
change curve
curve of
of the
the pump
pump atat different
different variable
variable speed
speed ratios
ratios is
is
drawn from the data shown in Table 1 as shown in Figure
drawn from the data shown in Table 1 as shown in Figure 6. 6.

14
12
10
8 z=10
δ/%

6
4 z=9
2
0
0.0001 0.001 0.01 0.03
K
Figure 6. Flow
Figure Flowpulsation
pulsationcurve with
curve different
with piston
different pump
piston variable
pump speed speed
variable ratios. ratios.

It can be seen in Figures 4–6 and Table 1 that, under variable working conditions, with
It can be seen in Figures 4–6 and Table 1 that, under variable working conditions,
the increase of K, the pulsation rate of the pump output flow increases and the pulsation
with the increase of K, the pulsation rate of the pump output flow increases and the pul‐
rate of the odd-numbered piston pump output flow is significantly lower than that of the
sation rate of the
even-numbered odd‐numbered
piston pump outputpiston pump
flow. The output
larger K, the flow
more is significantly
significant lower in
the increase than that
of
thethe
pumpeven‐numbered piston and
output flow pulsation, pump the output flow.
smaller the The larger
difference K, the
between more significant the
the odd-numbered
increase
piston pumpin the pump
output output
flow flowrate
pulsation pulsation, and the smaller
and even-numbered pistonthepump
difference
outputbetween
flow the
pulsation rate. This is because with the increase of K, the inclined angle
odd‐numbered piston pump output flow pulsation rate and even‐numbered piston pump of the swashplate
increases,
output thepulsation
flow response timerate.slows down,
This is and the
because with number of oscillations
the increase increases,
of K, the inclinedwhich
angle of the
consequently increases the output flow pulsation of the pump.
swashplate increases, the response time slows down, and the number of oscillations in‐
creases, which consequently increases the output flow pulsation of the pump.

3. Analysis of the Influence of the Parameters of the Plunger Piston on the Output
Flow
It can be seen from the above analysis that the output flow of the piston pump is
 swashplate increases, the response time slows down, and the number of osc
creases, which consequently increases the output flow pulsation of the pump.

3. Analysis of the Influence of the Parameters of the Plunger Piston on the O

Processes 2022, 10, 2138 Flow 8 of 18

It can be seen from the above analysis that the output flow of the pist
3.mainly
Analysisaffected by theofspeed
of the Influence of the prime
the Parameters mover,Piston
of the Plunger the swashplate
on the angle, the
the piston, and port plate structure. The matching relationship between the
Output Flow
andItthe
can piston pump
be seen from thedirectly affects
above analysis the
that theflow pulsation
output flow of theand affects
piston pumpthe is outpu
mainly affected by the speed of the prime mover, the swashplate angle, the diameter of the
istics of the piston pump.
piston, and port plate structure. The matching relationship between the parameters and
Thepump
the piston AMESimdirectly model
affects theofflow
an axial piston
pulsation pump
and affects thewas
outputestablished and
characteristics of was m
in piston
the the HYDpump. library, HCD library, mechanical library, and signal library. Cons
The AMESim
internal leakage model
in theof an axial piston
actual workpump
of thewas established
piston pump, and was
the mainly sub‐model
BAF11 used
in the HYD library, HCD library, mechanical library, and signal library. Considering the
library was used to simulate the leakage between the plunger and the cylinder
internal leakage in the actual work of the piston pump, the BAF11 sub-model in the HCD
the 0R0000
library was used sub‐model
to simulate thein leakage
the HYD library
between was used
the plunger to cylinder
and the simulate thehole;
block leakage b
port plate and the cylinder block, swashplate and slipper; and the spline curve
the 0R0000 sub-model in the HYD library was used to simulate the leakage between the
port plateare
switch and used
the cylinder block, swashplate
to simulate the actualandflow
slipper; and the spline
distribution curve and
process. signal
The AMESim
switch are used to simulate the actual flow distribution process. The AMESim model of a
single
single plunger
plunger is shown
is shown in Figurein7.Figure 7.

es 2022, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW

Figure 7. Single‐piston model.

The single‐plunger model is packaged as a super‐component

Figure 7. Single-piston model.
The system model of the following nine‐piston axial piston pum
The single-plunger model is packaged as a super-component, as shown in Figure 8. The
shown in Figure
system model 9. nine-piston axial piston pump was established, as shown in
of the following
Figure 9.

Figure 8. Super-component of single piston.

Figure 8. Super‐component of single piston.
 Processes 2022, 10, 2138 9 of 18

Figure 8. Super‐component of single piston.

Figure 9.
Figure 9. Simulation
Simulation model
model of
of axial
axial piston
piston pump
pump with
with 99 pistons.
pistons.

3.1. Analysis of the Influence of Swashplate Angle on Output Flow of

of Piston
Piston Pump
Pump
The fixed
fixeddiameter
diameterofof
thethe
piston, portport
piston, plate structure,
plate and prime
structure, movermover
and prime speed speed
remained
re‐
Processes 2022, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 19
unchanged, the swashplate
mained unchanged, angle was
the swashplate set to
angle was set◦to
5–15 , and theand
5–15°, output flow simulation
the output results
flow simulation
of the plunger
results pump are
of the plunger pumpshownare in Figure
shown in 10.
Figure 10.

Figure 10. Pump output flow at different swashplate angles.

Figure 10. Pump output flow at different swashplate angles.
It can be seen from Figure 10 that when the swashplate angle is 5–10◦ , the output flow
It can
reaches be seen
a stable from
state Figure
after 0.2 s, 10
andthat when
when the the swashplate
swashplate angleangle ◦ , the the
is 5–10°,
is 10–15 output
output flow
flow reaches
reaches a stable
a stable state
state after
after 0.2s.s,With
0.22 and when the swashplate
the increase angle is 10–15°,
in the swashplate angle,thetheoutput
output
flow
flowreaches
and thea flow
stablepulsation
state afterrate
0.22increase
s. With accordingly.
the increase in theisswashplate
This angle,the
because during theactual
out‐
put flow and
operation of the flow
piston pump, as the tilt angle of the swashplate angle increases from 5ac‐
pulsation rate increase accordingly. This is because during the ◦ to
tual operation of the piston pump, as the tilt angle of the swashplate angle increases from
5° to 15°, the stroke and movement speed of the plunger increase so that the pressure of
the piston pump increases and the flow pulsation increases.

3.2. Analysis of the Influence of the Prime Mover Speed on the Output Flow of the Plunger
 It can be seen from Figure 10 that when the swashplate angle is 5–10°, the output
flow reaches a stable state after 0.2 s, and when the swashplate angle is 10–15°, the output
flow reaches a stable state after 0.22 s. With the increase in the swashplate angle, the out‐
put flow and the flow pulsation rate increase accordingly. This is because during the ac‐
Processes 2022, 10, 2138 10 of 18
tual operation of the piston pump, as the tilt angle of the swashplate angle increases from
5° to 15°, the stroke and movement speed of the plunger increase so that the pressure of
the piston pump increases and the flow pulsation increases.
15◦ , the stroke and movement speed of the plunger increase so that the pressure of the
piston
3.2. pumpofincreases
Analysis andofthe
the Influence theflow
Primepulsation increases.
Mover Speed on the Output Flow of the Plunger
Pump
3.2. Analysis of the Influence of the Prime Mover Speed on the Output Flow of the Plunger Pump
The swashplate angle, piston diameter, and misalignment angle were fixed and the
The swashplate angle, piston diameter, and misalignment angle were fixed and the
prime mover speed were set to 1100–1900 r/min. The output flow simulation results of the
prime mover speed were set to 1100–1900 r/min. The output flow simulation results of the
plunger pump are shown in Figure 11.
plunger pump are shown in Figure 11.

Figure 11. Output flow when the speed of prime mover is 1100–1900 r/min.
Figure 11. Output flow when the speed of prime mover is 1100–1900 r/min.
When the rotational speed of the prime mover increases, the pump output flow and the
flowWhen the rotational
pulsation rate increase speed of theThis
as well. prime mover as
is because increases,
the speed theofpump outputmovement
the plunger flow and
the flow pulsation
increases, rate increase
the pressure as well. cavity
in the plunger This is increases
because asand the the
speedflowof pulsation
the plunger move‐
increases
Processes 2022, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW
ment increases, the pressure 12 of 19
accordingly. When the speedinofthe theplunger cavity isincreases
prime mover and the flow
1100 r/min~1700 pulsation
r/min, the pump in‐
creases accordingly. When the speed of the prime mover is 1100
output flow can quickly reach a stable state and the increment of flow pulsation is very r/min~1700 r/min, the
pump
small.output
When flow can quickly
the speed reach amover
of the prime stableisstate and the
increased toincrement
1900 r/min, of flow pulsation
the pump outputis
very
flow small.
flowincreased When
pulsationby the speed of
aboutsignificant,
is more the
20.57 L/min. prime mover
When the
increasing is increased
by speed
9.86% offorthe to
1100 1900
prime
r/min,r/min,
mover the pump out‐
is 1100–1300
but the output flow
put
r/min,flow
the pulsation
increased output
by about is20.57
flow more
of thesignificant,
plunger
L/min. When increasing
pumpthecan by
of 9.86%
quickly
speed thereach
primefora 1100
stable
mover r/min,
state.but the output
is 1100–1300 r/min,
the output flow of the plunger pump can quickly reach a stable state.
3.3. Analysis of Influence of Piston Diameter on Output Flow of Piston Pump
3.3. Analysis of Influence of Piston Diameter on Output Flow of Piston Pump
The fixed swashplate angle, port plate structure, and prime mover speed remain un‐
changed,Thethefixed swashplate
plunger diameter angle,
was port
set toplate
14–18structure,
mm, andand prime mover
the output speed remain
flow simulation re‐
unchanged, the plunger diameter was set to 14–18 mm, and the
sults of the piston pump are shown in Figure 12. Where the enlarged view at A in Figure output flow simulation
results
12a of the
is shown piston 12b.
in Figure pump are shown in Figure 12. Where the enlarged view at A in
Figure 12a is shown in Figure 12b.

(a) (b)
Figure 12.12.
Figure Pump output
Pump flow
output when
flow whenpiston diameter
piston is is
diameter 14–18 mm.
14–18 (a)(a)
mm. The output
The flow
output of of
flow thethe
pump;
pump;
(b) Enlarged view at A in Figure 12a.
(b) Enlarged view at A in Figure 12a.

It Itcan
canbebeseen
seenfrom
fromFigure
Figure1212that
thatwhen
whenthe
thediameter
diameterofofthe
thepiston
pistonisis14–18
14–18mm,
mm,the
the
flow
flow pulsation rate of the plunger pump is about 4.69% but it does not mean thatthe
pulsation rate of the plunger pump is about 4.69% but it does not mean that the
diameter of the piston can be selected at will. When the cylinder block diameter is fixed
and the same displacement can be achieved, the plunger diameter is too small, which in‐
creases the response time of the swashplate, reducing the working efficiency. If the diam‐
eter of the piston is too large, the strength of the cylinder block becomes more weakened,
 Processes 2022, 10, 2138 11 of 18

diameter of the piston can be selected at will. When the cylinder block diameter is fixed and
the same displacement can be achieved, the plunger diameter is too small, which increases
the response time of the swashplate, reducing the working efficiency. If the diameter of
the piston is too large, the strength of the cylinder block becomes more weakened, and the
working performance of the plunger pump is reduced, Therefore, the structural parameters
and displacement requirements of the piston pump should be comprehensively considered
when designing the piston diameter.

3.4. Analysis of the Influence of Port Plate Structure on the Output Flow of Piston Pump
In order to reduce the pressure impact caused by the switching of the piston cavity
from the high- and low-pressure areas, as shown in Figure 13, the port plate is provided with
the pre-compression angle ∆ϕ and misalignment angle ϕ0 . During the flow distribution
process, the piston avoids completing the oil suction and discharge action at the top and
bottom dead center but starts to discharge oil at ϕ0 + ∆ϕ1 /2 and stops discharging oil at
π − ∆ϕ2 /2 + ϕ0 . The number of pistons located in the oil discharge area is related to the
length of the oil discharge groove of the port plate. The length of the oil groove can be
ocesses 2022, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW changed by changing the opening of the pre-compression angle and misalignment13angle of 19
of the port plate. That is, the number of pistons located in the oil discharge area can be
changed to change the geometric output flow of the piston pump.

Figure 13. The typical symmetric port plate structure.

Figure 13. The typical symmetric port plate structure.
In order to facilitate engineering processing and manufacturing, five port plate struc-
Intures
orderwere
to facilitate engineering
set, as shown in Tableprocessing andfixed
2. When the manufacturing, five port
swashplate angle plate
is 12.5 struc‐
◦ and the
tures were
numberset,ofaspistons
shownisin Table
8–11, the2. Whenflow
output theoffixed
eachswashplate angle isis12.5°
port plate structure and the
as shown in
numberFigures
of pistons
14–17.is 8–11, the output flow of each port plate structure is as shown in
Figures 14–17.
Table 2. Five port plate structures.
Table 2. Five port plate structures.
Type i Structure Pre-Compression Angle Misalignment Angle
(i = 1–5) (◦ ) (◦ )
Type i Structure Pre‐Compression Angle Misalignment Angle
(i = 1–5) 1 (°) 10 5
(°)
2 8 4
1 3 10 6 53
2 4 8 4 42
5 2 1
3 6 3
4 4 2
5 2 1
 (i = 1–5) (°) (°)
1 10 5
2 8 4
3 6 3
Processes 2022, 10, 2138 4 4 2 12 of 18

5 2 1

(a) (b)
Processes 2022,
Processes 10,10,
2022, x FOR PEER
x FOR REVIEW
PEER REVIEW 14 14
of of
19 19
Figure 14.
Figure 14. The
Theoutput
outputflow
flowofof five
five port
port plate
plate structures
structures whenwhen
z = 8.z (a)
= 8.Output
(a) Output flow
flow at at (b)
z = 8; z =partial
8; (b)
partial enlargement
enlargement of 14a.
of Figure Figure 14a.

(a)(a) (b)(b)
Figure 15.15.
Figure
Figure When
15. When
Whenz =zz9,the output
==9,the output
9, the flow
output of of
flow
flow five port
offive
five plate
port
port structures.
plate
plate (a)(a)
structures.
structures. Output
(a) flow
Output
Output at at
flow
flow z =z9;==(b)
9; partial
9;(b)
(b) partial
partial
enlargement
enlargement
enlargement of of
Figure
of Figure
Figure15a.15a.
15a.

(a)(a) (b)(b)
Figure
Figure
Figure16.16.
The
16. output
The
The flow
output
output flowofof
flow five
of port
five
five plate
port
port plate
plate structures when
structures
structures zz ==z10.
when
when 10. (a)(a)
= 10.
(a) Output flow
Output
Output flow atatzat
flow z= =10;
z 10; (b)par-
= (b)
10; (b)
partial enlargement
partial enlargementof Figure
of 16a.
Figure
tial enlargement of Figure 16a. 16a.
 the port plate, the flow pulsation rate of the pump decreases significantly w
ber of pistons is 9 and 11. When the mismatch angle is 1°, the flow pulsat
nine‐piston piston pump reaches the minimum value of 6.36% and the flow
(a) (b)
Processes 2022, 10, 2138 of the eleven‐piston piston pump reaches the minimum value of 13 of3.28%.
18 H
Figure 16. The output flow of five port plate structures when z = 10. (a) Output flow at z = 10; (b)
the misalignment
partial angle
enlargement of Figure 16a. decreases from 3° to 1°, the flow pulsation rate of
ton piston pump decreases relatively more slowly than that of the nine
pump and trends to a certain value. When the number of pistons is 8 an
misalignment angle decreases from 5° to 3° and the flow pulsation rate of th
decreases with the decrease in the misalignment angle of port plate but t
duction is slow. When the misalignment angle is 3°, the flow pulsation ra
piston piston pump reaches 9.07% and the flow pulsation rate of the ten
pump.

Table 3. Flow pulsation rate of pump under five port plate structures when the nu
is 8–11.

(a) Flow Pulsation Flow Pulsation (b) Flow Pulsation F

Type I Structure Pre‐Compression Misalignment
Figure 17. The output flow of five port
Figure 17. The output flow of five port plate Rate
plate (%)when z = 11.Rate
structures
structures when z = 11. (a) (%) flow at zat= Rate
Output
(a) Output flow z = (b)
11; (%)
11; par-
(b)
(i = 1–5) Anglepartial
(°) enlargement Angle
of Figure
tial enlargement of Figure 17a.
(°)
17a.
z=8 z=9 z = 10
1 10 As As shown
shownininFigures 5 14–17,
Figures 14–17, with the10.25
with reduction
the in the
reduction 9.50
in pre‐compression
the pre-compression angleangle
and6.91
mis‐
and
alignment
misalignment angle, the flow
angle, the pulsation
flow of the pump
pulsation of the decreases
pump significantly
decreases when thewhen
significantly numberthe
2 8 4 9.55 8.31 6.56
of pistons
number of is 8–11. According
pistons to statistics,
is 8–11. According when the
to statistics, whennumber of pistons
the number is 8–11,
of pistons the flow
is 8–11, the
3 6pulsation rate ofrate
flow pulsation the of3the pump
pump under fiveunder 9.07
port plate
five structures
port 7.30 isinshown
is shown
plate structures the table. 6.19
Accord‐
in the table.
4 4ing to the data
According indata
to the the 2 table,
in the when the number
table, when 9.20 of pistons
the number is 8–11,
of pistons 6.61 the flow
is 8–11, pulsation
the flow rate
6.30
pulsation
rate change curve of the pump under five port plate structures is drawn as shown in
5 2 Figure 18. 1 9.70 6.36 6.60

Figure
Figure 18. 18.
FlowFlow pulsation
pulsation rate
rate change change
diagram diagram
of pump underof pump
five under
port plate five when
structures port the
plate stru
number of pistons is 8–11.
number of pistons is 8–11.
As shown in Table 3 and Figure 18, with the decrease in the misalignment angle of the
4. Experimental
port plate, Verification
the flow pulsation rate of the pump decreases significantly when the number
of pistons is 9 and 11. When the mismatch angle is 1◦ , the flow pulsation rate of the
Based
nine-piston onpump
piston the A10VNO nine‐piston
reaches the minimum value axial piston
of 6.36% and thepump,
sw a ten‐piston
flow pulsation rate
piston
of pump was
the eleven-piston customized
piston pump reachesand its structure
the minimum value ofis3.28%.
shownTh in Figure
However, when 19.
tested the flow pulsation characteristics of the nine‐piston axial piston pum
piston axial piston pump. The experimental schematic diagram is shown in
the experimental platform is shown in Figure 21. The measured pump (4) i
 Processes 2022, 10, 2138 14 of 18

the misalignment angle decreases from 3◦ to 1◦ , the flow pulsation rate of the eleven-piston
piston pump decreases relatively more slowly than that of the nine-piston piston pump and
trends to a certain value. When the number of pistons is 8 and 10, and the misalignment
angle decreases from 5◦ to 3◦ and the flow pulsation rate of the piston pump decreases
with the decrease in the misalignment angle of port plate but the trend of reduction is slow.
When the misalignment angle is 3◦ , the flow pulsation rate of the eight-piston piston pump
reaches 9.07% and the flow pulsation rate of the ten-piston piston pump.

Table 3. Flow pulsation rate of pump under five port plate structures when the number of pistons
is 8–11.

Type I Pre- Flow Pulsation Flow Pulsation Flow Pulsation Flow Pulsation
Misalignment
Structure Compression Rate (%) Rate (%) Rate (%) Rate (%)
Angle (◦ )
(i = 1–5) Angle (◦ ) z=8 z=9 z = 10 z = 11
1 10 5 10.25 9.50 6.91 5.39
2 8 4 9.55 8.31 6.56 4.31
3 6 3 9.07 7.30 6.19 3.51
4 4 2 9.20 6.61 6.30 3.34
5 2 1 9.70 6.36 6.60 3.28

4. Experimental Verification
Based on the A10VNO nine-piston axial piston pump, a ten-piston swashplate axial
piston pump was customized and its structure is shown in Figure 19. This experiment
tested the flow pulsation characteristics of the nine-piston axial piston pump and the ten-
Processes 2022, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW piston axial piston pump. The experimental schematic diagram is shown in Figure 16 of 19
20, and
the experimental platform is shown in Figure 21. The measured pump (4) is driven by
the motor (5), the frequency converter (6) can adjust the motor speed, the overflow valve
(7) can as
can be used be aused as avalve,
safety safetythe
valve, the throttle
throttle valve
valve (9) can (9)
be can
usedbetoused to adjust
adjust the system
the system load load
pressure, the pressure gauge (3 and 8) can measure the pressure changes
pressure, the pressure gauge (3 and 8) can measure the pressure changes at the inlet and at the inlet and
outletoutlet
of theofpiston
the piston
pump,pump, andflowmeter
and the the flowmeter (10)measure
(10) can can measure the changes
the flow flow changes
at theat the
pump
pump outlet. outlet.

(a) (b)
FigureFigure
19. Ten‐piston axial pump.
19. Ten-piston (a) Physical
axial pump. structure;
(a) Physical (b) Disassemb
structure; drawing.
(b) Disassemb drawing.
 (a) (b)
Processes 2022, 10, 2138 15 of 18
Figure 19. Ten‐piston axial pump. (a) Physical structure; (b) Disassemb drawing.

Figure 20. The experimental schematic diagram. 1—Tank; 2—cut-off valve; 3—pressure gauge;
Figure
Processes 2022, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 20. The experimental schematic diagram. 1—Tank; 2—cut‐off valve; 3—pressure gauge; 17 4—
of 1
4—piston
piston pump;pump; 5—motor;
5—motor; 6—frequency
6—frequency converter;
converter; 7—overflow
7—overflow valve;
valve; 8—pressure
8—pressure gauge;
gauge; 9—throttle
9—throttle
valve; valve; 10—flowmeter;
10—flowmeter; 11—cut-off
11—cut‐off valve. valve.

Figure21.21.Comprehensive
Figure Comprehensive performance
performance test platform
test platform of piston
of piston pump. pump.

The ◦ , the misalignment

Theprime
primemover
mover is is
1300
1300 r/min,
r/min,thetheswashplate
swashplate angle
angle is is
12.5
12.5°, the misalignment angl
◦
is  0 =  / 2 = 3°. The flow pulsation test curves of the nine‐piston piston
angle is ϕ 0 =∆ϕ/2= 3 . The flow pulsation test curves of the nine-piston piston pump
pump and ten
and ten-piston piston pump are shown in Figures 22 and 23 and the comparison values
piston piston pump are shown in Figures 22 and 23 and the comparison values of th
of the experiment and simulation are shown in Table 4 [21]. Due to the influence of oil
experiment and
compressibility, simulation
friction, geometricare shown
pulsation,in and
Table 4 [21].
elastic Due to during
pulsation the influence of oil compress
the experiment,
ibility,
the friction, geometric
flow pulsation value obtained from theand
pulsation, elastic pulsation
experiment during
is slightly higher thethe
than experiment,
simulation the flow
pulsation
value. Whenvalue obtained
the number from the
of pistons is 9, experiment is slightly
the flow pulsation rate ofhigher
the modelthan the simulation
is 6.75% and the value
experimentally
When the number obtainedof flow
pistonspulsation rateflow
is 9, the is 7.11%, with anrate
pulsation errorofrate
theofmodel
5.1%; when the and th
is 6.75%
number of pistons is 10, the flow pulsation rate of the model is 6.21% and
experimentally obtained flow pulsation rate is 7.11%, with an error rate of 5.1%; when th the experimentally
obtained
numberflow pulsation
of pistons is 10, ratethe
is 6.44%, with an error
flow pulsation raterate of 3.6%.
of the model The error rate
is 6.21% andbetween
the experimen
the model and the experimental data is low, the model is in better agreement with the
tally obtained flow pulsation rate is 6.44%, with an error rate of 3.6%. The error rate be
experimental data, and the experiment verifies the correctness of the simulation model.
tween the model and the experimental data is low, the model is in better agreement wit
the experimental data, and the experiment verifies the correctness of the simulatio
model.
 When the number of pistons is 9, the flow pulsation rate of the model is 6.75% and the
experimentally obtained flow pulsation rate is 7.11%, with an error rate of 5.1%; when the
number of pistons is 10, the flow pulsation rate of the model is 6.21% and the experimen‐
tally obtained flow pulsation rate is 6.44%, with an error rate of 3.6%. The error rate be‐
tween the model and the experimental data is low, the model is in better agreement with
Processes 2022, 10, 2138 16 of 18
the experimental data, and the experiment verifies the correctness of the simulation
model.

Processes 2022, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 18 of 19

Figure
Figure 22.
22. Experimental
Experimental diagram
diagram of
of aa nine‐piston piston pump.
nine-piston piston pump.

Figure 23.
Figure 23. Experimental diagram of
Experimental diagram of aa ten-piston
ten‐piston piston
piston pump.
pump.

Table 4. Flow
Table 4. Flow pulsation.
pulsation.

Name
Name SimulationValue
Simulation Value (%) Experimental
ExperimentalValue Value (%)
(%) Error
Error Rate
Rate (%)
(%)
Nine‐piston
Nine-piston piston
piston pump 6.75 7.11 5.1
Ten-piston piston pump
6.75
6.21
7.11
6.44
5.1
3.6
pump
Ten‐piston piston pump 6.21 6.44 3.6
5. Conclusions
5. Conclusions
(1) Through the above analysis, it can be seen that the speed of the prime mover, swash-
plate angle,
(1) Through thediameter of the piston,
above analysis, it can be and port
seen thatplate
the structure
speed of the of the
primepiston pump
mover, have
swash‐
an important
plate impact on
angle, diameter the piston,
of the flow pulsation
and portofplate
the piston
structure pump. In piston
of the the actual
pump work of
have
theimportant
an piston pump, in order
impact on theto flow
effectively reduce
pulsation the piston
of the flow pulsation
pump. In ofthethe actual
plunger pump
work of
and reduce the noise caused by the flow pulsation, the port
the piston pump, in order to effectively reduce the flow pulsation of the plunger plate structure should be
optimized.
pump That is,the
and reduce the noise
pre-compression
caused by the angleflowandpulsation,
misalignment the portangle of the
plate piston
structure
should be optimized. That is, the pre‐compression angle and misalignment anglethe
pump should be appropriately reduced, and the inclination of the swashplate and of
rotation
the pistonspeed
pump of should
the prime be mover should be
appropriately controlled
reduced, and within a certainof
the inclination range. When
the swash‐
the swashplate angle is 5–10of ◦ , the output flow can quickly reach a stable state; when
plate and the rotation speed the prime mover should be controlled within a certain
the speed
range. When of the
theswashplate
prime mover angleis 1100–1300
is 5–10°, the r/min,
outputthe output
flow flow ofreach
can quickly the plunger
a stable
pump can quickly reach a stable state.
state; when the speed of the prime mover is 1100–1300 r/min, the output flow of the
(2) plunger
In orderpump
to reduce the flowreach
can quickly pulsation
a stableandstate.
facilitate the processing and manufactur-
(2) In order to reduce the flow pulsation and facilitatepump,
ing in the project, for the odd-numbered piston the the pre-compression
processing and manufacturing
◦ ; for the even-numbered piston
angle
and misalignment angle should be
in the project, for the odd‐numbered piston pump, ∆ϕ/2 = ϕ 0 = 1 the pre‐compression angle and
pump, the dead angle and staggered supporting role of the port plate should be
misalignment angle should be   / 2 =  0 = 1°; for the even‐numbered piston pump,
∆ϕ/2 = ϕ0 = 3◦ . At present, the nine-piston piston pump is commonly used in the
the  / 2 =  0
project, but when the dead angle and staggered supportingplate
dead angle and staggered supporting role of the port should
role of the portbe plate are set
= 3°. At present, the nine‐piston piston pump is commonly used in the project, but
when the dead angle and staggered supporting role of the port plate are set at  / 2
=  0 =1°, the pulse rate of the nine‐piston piston pump is very close to that of the ten‐
piston piston pump, which provides a theoretical basis for the popularization and
Processes 2022, 10, 2138 17 of 18

at ∆ϕ/2 = ϕ0 =1◦ , the pulse rate of the nine-piston piston pump is very close to that of
the ten-piston piston pump, which provides a theoretical basis for the popularization
and application of the ten-piston piston pump.
(3) The error rate between the model and the experimental data is low, and the model is
in positive agreement with the experimental data. The correctness of the simulation
model is verified through experiments, which provides a basis for the design and
improvement of the piston pump.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, R.L. and Q.L.; methodology, R.L.; software, Q.L.; valida-
tion, Y.C. (Yi Cheng), Q.S. and Y.Z.; formal analysis, J.L. and Y.C. (Yurong Chi); investigation, Q.L.;
resources, R.L.; data curation, R.L.; writing—original draft preparation, R.L.; writing—review and
editing, R.L.; visualization, Q.L.; supervision, Q.L.; project administration, R.L.; funding acquisition,
R.L. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: Funding was obtained from Key R&D plan of Shandong Province, China, grant number
2020CXGC010806; Key R&D plan of Shandong Province, China, grant number 2021CXGC010813;
Key R&D plan of Shandong Province, China, grant number 2020CXGC011005; and innovation team
project of colleges and universities of Jinan Science and Technology Bureau, Shandong Province,
China, grant number 2020GXRC042.
Acknowledgments: I would like to thank my tutor, Ruichuan Li, for all of his support and guidance.
I would like to thank my colleagues for their care and help in my daily work.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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