Performance Prediction and Flow Characteristics of a Hydraulic Pump for ABS and ESC Systems Using FSI Simulation

Abstract

The electronic stability control (ESC) system is a computerized technology that improves vehicle stability by detecting and reducing the loss of traction. The hydraulic control unit for an anti-lock braking system (ABS) or an ESC system in a car includes a hydraulic pump located between the wheel and master cylinder. The function of the hydraulic pump is to allow the brake fluid to return from the wheel to the master cylinder when the ABS or ESC is actuating. This study performs numerical investigations with the aim of predicting the performance of the hydraulic pump by better understanding the dynamic behavior characteristics of the inlet ball under instantaneous fluid forces during the suction cycle and the corresponding flow characteristics under various motor speeds. A fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulation of the hydraulic pump is conducted under various motor speeds with an unsteady three-dimensional approach considering laminar flow and the user-defined function (UDF). Experimental verification of the simulation results at the standard pump pumping test system of the Mando Corporation in Korea indicates considerable reliability. The findings of this research can provide valuable insights into designing high-efficiency pumps.