MODELING THE LUBRICATING INTERFACES OF ULTRA-HIGH PRESSURE RADIAL PISTON MACHINES
GAUTHAM RAMCHANDRANA novel approach to modeling the lubricating interfaces of radial piston machines –
operating at ultra-high pressures of 700 bar or higher – is presented in this study. The two
types of lubricating interfaces present in rotating cam type radial piston machines are the
Piston/Cylinder and Cam/Piston interfaces. Together, these two interfaces accounts for
the power losses arising from shear stresses and leakages across the gaps. By formulating
modeling approaches that accurately portray the physical behavior and characteristics of
the two interfaces, a methodology for the virtual designing and prototyping of these
machines can be established that allows for the exploration of new design features that
can result in reduced power losses and larger lifetimes.