Analysis of Damage and Failure mechanism under a lubricated slipper/swashplate interface in Axial Piston Machines

Nowadays, the phenomena of damage and fracture affect many machines and components in the good part of engineering. Hydraulic machines are also part of these components affected by these phenomena. Axial Piston Machine is undoubtedly one of the compact machines; however, it is also confronted with performance loss or even its destruction because of the complexity of the movements that perform its internal elements. A good part of the causes of loss of its performance and efficacies comes from the mechanism of rupture, fracture, and abnormal deformation that undergo its solid compounds. In this work, we implement an analysis of damage and fatigue on the slipper/swashplate interface by predicting the solid deformation, strain, wear of the solid bodies (slipper and swashplate) for given materials. As a result, the deformation and fatigue of both slipper and swashplate have been predicted. Furthermore, the lubricant thickness between slipper and swashplate is solved. For the validation of our research, the oil thickness and temperature are measured by the test rig and compared with the simulation results. Finally, some suggestions are given to improve or avoid the damage and failure of the slipper and swashplate.