The innovative test stand for testing hydraulic cylinders was designed by the MechLab team. In order to maximize the research capabilities, the structure allows to change the kinematics of the stand by moving the mounting nodes for the tested and loading cylinder, as well as for fixing the arm. At the same time, the hydraulic system was developed in such a way that it can work in many test modes, which is possible by a set of valves whose settings directly define the system’s operation. A one-pump system was used, in which two power supply systems can be distinguished, the first of which supplies the tested cylinder, and the second one – the loading cylinder.
A stand for testing hydraulic cylinders and a new cylinder design during tests
The conducted tests of new designs of hydraulic cylinders in MechLab include:
- identification of thermal phenomena with particular stress on the mixing of two liquid domains having different temperatures in the cylinder chambers, for various hydraulic power supply systems,
- identification of the dynamic response of a cylinder in connection with various hydraulic power packs and control systems,
- identification of the relationships influencing the energy-related parameters of hydraulic cylinders, such as efficiency, thermal balance, hydraulic power losses, etc.,
- identification of cylinder parameter changes during continuous operation and, as a result, of the reliability level and the service life.
Graphs of temperatures measured at the outlets in the standard cylinder and the new cylinder (Siwulski T., Warzyńska U., Ryś M., Skrzypczak M., Experimental tests of fluid exchange process improvement in a new design of hydraulic cylinder with a supply system. W: 12th International Fluid Power Conference (12. IFK), October 12- 14, 2020 in Dresden, s. 199-208)
Graphs of pressure measured during starting the cylinder with additional load and without additional load in the standard cylinder and the new cylinder