Friction torque characteristics of an internal gear pump

Abstract

This paper describes the influence of pump operating conditions, such as operating pressures, pump speeds, and oil temperatures, on the friction torque characteristics of internal gear pumps for automobiles. Additionally, it presents a new mathematical model reflecting the influence of the oil temperature on the friction torque. In an internal gear pump, the friction torque was affected by oil temperature as well as operating pressure and pump speed. When the operating pressure was high, the influence of oil temperature on friction torque at a pump speed of less than 1000 r/min was contrary to that at a pump speed of greater than 1000 r/min. It was considered that the friction torque is fundamentally composed of three components: the component dependent on the operating pressure, dependent on the pump speed, and independent of both the operating pressure and the pump speed. However, the component dependent on the operating pressure was affected significantly by not only the pump speed but also the oil temperature. In addition, another factor besides the viscosity of the oil existed in the component dependent on the pump speed. A mathematical model for the friction torque characteristic of the internal gear pump was newly established by adding factors including the oil temperature to the Wilson’s model. The new model was able to represent with accuracy the experimental friction torque characteristic in the internal gear pump under various pump operating conditions.