Influence of different design parameters on the theoretical flow ripple in balanced vane pumps

The present study focuses the attention on the correlation between the cam ring design and the kinematic flow ripple in balanced vane pumps. In particular, the work addresses the influence of the main pump design parameters on the oscillations of the flow rate produced by the volume variation of both under-vane pockets and displaced chambers, which is considered as one of the main sources of excessive noise and vibration. The pump operating principle is firstly defined and the design philosophy is presented, together with the theoretical approach used to determine both then vane motion and resulting flow ripple. The proposed methodology is evaluated by means of a parametric study involving design parameters such as vane thickness and tip radius. The analysis suggests that these geometrical parameters, together with the cam ring shape, affect the pump dynamic behavior due to their correlation with the fluid-dynamics of the machine.