Hydrodynamic processes in angular fitting connections of a transport machine’s hydraulic drive

Abstract

The article presents the theoretical research on hydraulic processes occurring in hydraulic drives of transport machines. The research analysed the influence of hydrodynamic processes on the fluid flow characteristics following installation of angular fitting connections in pipeline systems. The analysis was based on the numerical simulations by Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations in 3D. The fluid flow in the hydraulic system pipeline connections were investigated for fluid flow rate up to 100 l/min. For numerical simulation, a mesh independence study was performed. By modeling. we obtained results of pressure drops, turbulence models, flow coefficients and energy losses at 45° and 90° angular fitting connections. The article compares the results obtained using the calculation method based on the standard of equivalent length fitting with the findings presented. The research conducted indicated that using the equivalent length method is not appropriate for studying angular fitting connections. It was found that additional investigations are necessary for each type of angular fitting connection.