Numerical simulation of oil flow in a power steering pump

This work presents a numerical model to simulate oil flow in power steering pumps. A detailed three-dimensional geometry was used, considering rotor, inlets and outlets. Moving mesh capability was used because of the variations of the domain geometry with the pump rotation. Two operating conditions were simulated: 3000 rpm and 8000 rpm. The results investigated low pressure regions which could give place to cavitation problems and recirculation zones, as well as geometric details used to improve performance and reduce of pressure fluctuations and noise levels.