Estimation of time-varying forces loading the vane in balanced vane pumps

The present study proposes an analytical methodology to estimate the variable loads applied to the vanes of balanced vane pumps. The dissertation is adopted to detail the nature of the different time-varying excitations that load the machine and to define their analytical calculation on the basis of vane geometry, cam ring profile and working conditions. A comprehensive overview of the mutual interconnections between time-varying loads and the pump design is provided by means of a parametric study involving vane thickness, tip radius and cam ring shape. Admissibility of the pump geometry is verified throughout the entire study. The results show that the vane tip radius affects both the inertial forces and the under-vane pressure load by its influence on the vane radial motion. Concurrently, the vane thickness acts as a gain factor with respect to the magnitude of the under-vane pressure load. Despite not altering the kinematic vane motion, effects on the inertial forces are recognized due vane mass changing related to thickness variation.