Development of a Model to Predict Acoustic Emissions of Bent-Axis Pumps

This work presents a comprehensive procedure for predicting the acoustic emissions of mechanical systems, using a bent-axis pump as a case study. The procedure is developed as a workflow integrating multibody dynamics (MBD), harmonic structural analysis, and acoustic solvers. By modeling the mechanical system, we capture the pump’s dynamic response and the vibration behavior of the enclosure’s surface, enabling the estimation of equivalent radiated power (ERP) and the prediction of sound pressure level (SPL). To validate the simulation results, experimental investigations were conducted in a semi-anechoic chamber, where data was collected using a microphone placed at a specific distance from the pump. At the time of this publication, preliminary correlations between the simulation model and real-world measurements demonstrate promising accuracy and reliability. However, further investigation is needed to identify potential sources of discrepancies. Findings from this project offer significant advantages for pump manufacturers, including improved product quality, compliance with noise regulations, and reduced time to market. This work focuses on evaluating the impact of various physical phenomena on model fidelity and the correlation between test and simulation results, further establishing this methodology as a valuable tool for advancing pump design and production.