Numerical analysis on the influence of valve open on the cavitation flow characteristics in hydraulic spool valve

Abstract

The influence of the valve open on the cavitation flow characteristics in the hydraulic spool valve is analyzed by the numerical simulation. The flow rates obtained from the experiments and the numerical calculation at different inlet pressures are compared to verfiy the accuracy of the numerical modelling and simulation. Then the fileds of velocity, pressure and cavitation at different valve opens are analyzed. The results showed that: the maximum flow velocity increases firstly but then decreases as an increase in valve open. Correspondingly, the high-speed jet angle at the outlet of throttling groove also increases. The small orifice area leads to the relative stable cavitation area. The periodic cavitation flow at the upper outlet of the throttling groove is observed as the valve open increased to 1.0 mm. The continuous increase of valve open leads to the enhancement of cavitation intensity and the expansion of cavitation area. Besides, the sheddings of cavitation cloud occurs at the large valve open.