Boundary Layer Fluid Flow in Volume Chamber of Cavitating Gerotor Pump: Computational Analysis using MATLAB

Abstract Gerotor pumps are widely used in the lubrication system of automobile combustion engines, known for their simplicity and efficiency. This paper presents a computational study of boundary layer flow for volume chamber of a gerotor pump experiencing cavitation. Utilizing MATLAB, we investigate the feasibility of using boundary layer approximation to monitor the adversity of the condition. The implementation is done by developing a finite element code to solve the boundary layer equation, for an arc length (0 to 1 mm) using experimental data. The focus is on understanding the fluid dynamics of the pump within the pump volume chamber, which plays a crucial role in the pump's overall performance. Solving the boundary layer equation, we simulated the flow characteristics within the pump volume chamber and generated results of Reynolds number, velocity profile, boundary layer thickness, and pressure energy profile. The main measure is the pressure energy parameter which shows analysis of the work done in moving the fluid against the resistance created by the cavitation. As expected, the results revealed a high correlation of cavitation with the suction pressure. This influence is seen to affect the overall delivered oil flow rate, while no interest was placed on other parameters outside the pump chamber flow characteristics. Furthermore, pressure ripples from the surface plot of the velocity profile show evidence of re-circulation or separation zones along the arc length.