Vibroacoustic model-based structure design optimization for noise reduction of an axial piston pump

The radiated noise from axial piston pumps has long been considered as a major contributor to system noise in fluid power systems. In this study, we propose a novel vibroacoustic model-based structure design optimization method to reduce the noise generated by axial piston pumps. The method combines the numerical modelling, experimental validation and design optimization technique. Firstly, we develop a numerical model of the assembled axial piston pump based on finite element models of the main components. The modal, vibration, and sound measurements are carried out to comprehensively examine the effectiveness of the proposed vibroacoustic model. By analysing the acoustic characteristics through the validated vibroacoustic models, the key modes with significant contributions to the dominant noise are identified. The results show that the 1st and 16 th modes are the most dominant modes contributing significantly to the main harmonic noise. To reduce the radiated noise of the pump, we conduct the topology optimization on the housing of the pump by adjusting natural frequencies of key modes of the assembled pump. After the optimization, the vibration and noise levels of the optimized axial piston pump are greatly reduced. The root mean square value of the sound power level of the axial piston pump can be decreased by 10.8 dB. This method offers a guidance for the design of low-noise hydraulic displacement pumps.