NUMERICAL SIMULATION AND TRIBOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF STRESS AND WEAR IN GATE VALVE SEALING ASSEMBLY

This study investigates the stress distribution and wear mechanisms affecting the primary components of an improved gate valve construction. The research incorporates finite element analysis (FEA) to simulate contact stress, deformation, and wear progression under realistic operating conditions, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the mechanical response of gate valve sealing assemblies. The study examines Hertzian contact stress analysis to determine localized high-stress regions, identifying areas prone to fatigue failure, adhesion wear, and abrasive degradation. Additionally, Archard’s wear equation is applied to predict material loss over time, considering variations in applied loads and material properties. To further enhance valve durability, the study evaluates lubrication effects and fluid interactions using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The research explores the impact of fluid shear stress, erosion, and cavitation effects on the sealing surfaces, demonstrating how turbulence-induced fluctuations contribute to progressive wear. The simulation results highlight the significance of material selection, coating applications, and surface modifications in mitigating stress-induced failures and improving operational efficiency. The findings provide actionable insights for optimizing gate valve designs, extending service life, and reducing maintenance costs in high-pressure industrial environments. Keywords: Gate valve, Hertzian stress, wear simulation, finite element analysis, tribology.