A Design of Experiment Using Computation Fluid Dynamics for Spool-Type Hydraulic Valves
Abstract In order to compete successfully in the global market place, manufactures must have the ability to produce high-quality, low-cost products that fully satisfy the customer’s needs. Many analytical techniques have been adopted by these manufactures aimed at improving customer and engineering quality. Nonlinear multivariate systems, however, complicate this process making the determination of controlling factors difficult. Often times, improvements in one area of the process or product compromises the performance in other areas. The Design of Experiments (DOE), pioneered by Taguchi, represents a powerful statistical method to help better understand nonlinear systems with the aim to improve quality and performance in engineering. A DOE using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is developed to better understand the influences of flow forces on valve design and performance. Geometric control factors for the spool valve are determined, enabling optimization and performance improvements.