Synergistic Optimization Strategy for Cavitation Suppression of Piston Pumps Based on Low-Pressure Loss Flow Passages

For axial closed-circuit piston pumps, cavitation often causes a reduction in volumetric efficiency during operation, and flow passage pressure loss is a key factor inducing cavitation. To address this issue, this study aims to suppress pump cavitation and improve volumetric efficiency through a synergistic approach involving low-pressure loss flow passages and parameter optimization. First, a flow field model based on a full cavitation model is established to meet the requirements for accurate cavitation simulation of piston pumps. The segmented approximation method is used to decompose complex flow passages inside the pump, a mathematical model of flow passage pressure loss is developed, and the traditional flow rate model is optimized by introducing a pressure loss correction term, thus reducing flow rate prediction error. Further, variance-based sensitivity analysis is used to quantify the effects of pressure loss influencing parameters on cavitation. Results indicate that inlet pressure is the core independent parameter affecting cavitation, and interaction effects between parameters are dominated by antagonism. Accordingly, a single-parameter control and a multi-parameter optimization strategy is proposed based on the sensitivity of different parameters, providing technical support and a quantitative basis for pump cavitation suppression and volumetric efficiency improvement.