A Transient Thermoelastohydrodynamic Lubrication Model for the Slipper/Swashplate in Axial Piston Machines

A transient lubrication model has been developed for the sliding interface between the slipper and swashplate in axial piston hydraulic pumps and motors. The model considers a nonisothermal fluid model, microdynamic motion of the slipper, as well as pressure and thermal deformations of the bounding solid bodies through a partitioned solution scheme. The separate contributions of elastohydrostatic and elastohydrodynamic lubrication are studied. Although hydrostatic deformation dominates, hydrodynamic effects are crucial for actual operation. Finally, the impact of transient deformation on lubricant pressure is explored, with its consideration necessary for accurate analysis.