This study investigates the wear behavior of a wedge-type gate valve under the combined effects of mechanical, thermal, and turbulent stressors. A detailed SolidWorks model of the valve was developed, and advanced simulations were conducted to analyze the interaction of hermetic elements with real-world operational conditions. The results indicate that the working surfaces, particularly the wedge and its seating regions, are prone to wear due to continuous thermal fluctuations, turbulent flow effects, and mechanical loads. These factors contribute to the uneven expansion of valve components, material degradation, and stress concentration, ultimately leading to reduced structural integrity and an increased risk of failure over time. The simulations provided an in-depth analysis of wear mechanisms by visualizing key parameters such as relative pressure, temperature distribution, velocity fields, turbulent viscosity, and turbulent length scales. Additionally, graphical outputs for dynamic viscosity, specific heat capacity, and thermal conductivity further illustrated how these parameters influence the rate and severity of wear progression. The findings identified high-stress regions, especially those experiencing elevated surface temperature, as the most vulnerable to accelerated wear due to the interplay of mechanical and thermal stresses. To address these challenges, the study recommends the application of temperature-resistant coatings, advanced surface treatments, and optimization of valve geometry to minimize wear effects. The results emphasize the necessity of using high-performance materials and structural reinforcements in critical areas to enhance valve longevity and reliability. These insights contribute to the development of more resilient and efficient gate valve designs, ensuring improved durability under extreme operational conditions.
Aslanov et al. (Mon,) studied this question.