Flow measurement and parameter optimization of right-angled flow passage in hydraulic manifold block

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the flow field characteristics of right-angled flow passage with various cavities in the typical hydraulic manifold block. A low-speed visualization test rig was developed and the flow field of the right-angled flow passage with different cavity structures was measured using 2D-PIV technique. Numerical model was established to simulate the three-dimensional flow field. Seven eddy viscosity turbulence models were investigated in predicting the flow field by comparing against the particle image relocimetry (PIV) measurement results. By defining the weight error function K, the S-A model was selected as the appropriate turbulence model. Then, a three-factor, three-level response surface numerical test was conducted to investigate the influence of flow passage connection type, cavity diameter and cavity length-diameter ratio on pressure loss. The results show that the Box-Benhnken Design (BBD) model can predict the total pressure loss accurately. The optimal factor level appeared in flow passage connection type II, 14.64 mm diameter and 67.53% cavity length-diameter ratio. The total pressure loss decreased by 11.15% relative to the worst factor level, and total pressure loss can be reduced by 64.75% when using an arc transition right-angled flow passage, which indicates a new direction for the optimization design of flow passage in hydraulic manifold blocks.