Multi-objective optimization of surface texture for the slipper/swash plate interface in EHA pumps

Abstract

Well-designed surface textures can improve the tribological properties and the efficiency of the electro-hydrostatic actuator (EHA) pump under high-speed and high-pressure conditions. This study proposes a multi-objective optimization model to obtain the arbitrarily surface textures design of the slipper/swash plate interface for improving the mechanical and volumetric efficiency of the EHA pump. The model is composed of the lubrication film model, the component dynamic model considering the spinning motion, and the multi-objective optimization model. In this way, the arbitrary-shaped surface texture with the best comprehensive effect in the EHA pump is achieved and its positive effects in the EHA pump prototype are verified. Experimental results show a reduction in wear and an improvement in mechanical and volumetric efficiency by 1.4% and 0.8%, respectively, with the textured swash plate compared with the untextured one.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

electro-hydrostatic actuator / axial piston pump / slipper/swash plate interface / multi-objective optimization / surface texture

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Acknowledgements

The research was financially supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (Grant No. 2018YFB2001101), the National Outstanding Youth Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51922093), the National Science Foundation for Young Scientists of China (Grant No. 51905473), the Major Science and Technology Projects in Ningbo, China (Grant No. 2019B10054), and the Open Foundation of the State Key Laboratory of Mechanical Transmissions, China (Grant No. SKLMT-ZDKFKT-202001).

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2022 Higher Education Press