Dynamic and Kinematic Evaluation of Automotive Variable Displacement Vane Pumps for Reliability Characterization

This study deals with the design of variable displacement oil pumps, with particular focus on wear of the inner components. A multibody model has been developed in order to achieve detailed knowledge on the dynamic loads which the main components are subjected to and to carry out a comparative analysis between different pump designs. A qualitative correlation, between the resulting wear following endurance tests and simulation results, has also been found. Design guidelines leading up to a good pump reliability have been obtained as a result of this activity.