Measurement of Oil Film Thickness Distribution between a Slipper and Swash Plate in Swash-Plate-Type Axial Piston Pumps

Abstract

In this study, slipper/swash plate sliding test rigs were developed to measure oil film thickness distribution. For this purpose, fluorescence measurement was performed with a sapphire glass swash plate and a light emitting diode as the light source. The oil film thickness distribution was measured under various conditions by varying the rotation speed and the oil pressure supplied to the cylinder. The shape of the swash plate matched the oil film thickness distribution measured via the fluorescent method, thereby confirming the validity of the measurements. Furthermore, the maximum tilt azimuth angle of the slipper turned outward as the rotational speed increased.

Keywords

• tribology
• pump
• slipper
• swashplate
• lubricant
• film thickness
• fluorescence
• lif