The Dynamics of Leakage in Bent Axis Units Without Timing Gear

Bent axis hydraulic pumps and motors are extremely popular due to their high efficiency and large speed range. A number of different concepts exist with respect to kinematic restraints on the cylinder barrel motion. Some manufacturers rely upon a timing gear for precise synchronization of the shaft and barrel speeds while other companies have successfully introduced bent axis units without such a mechanism. The paper analyses the dynamics of bent axis machines with tapered pistons driving the cylinder barrel. A rotation of the pistons inside the corresponding bores is proposed to result in changing cylinder chamber to case drain leakages. The reported phenomenon is shown to have a significant effect on the low frequency part of pressure and flow pulsations. In this way, frequency components far below the fundamental frequency associated with the shaft revolution are generated.