Abstract
Within the frame of industrial automation, the mechanical power related to pneumatic actuator systems involves air flows along with mechanical component, such as valves, connecting tubes, cylinder chambers and possible linkages in order to finally actuate a specific objective. Gas dynamic of the air flowing into connecting ducts plays a fundamental role in the description of the global dynamic phenomena of these systems. Several studies deal with the dynamics of such pneumatic systems but through streamlined analysis where the influence of pressure-waves propagating in ducts is neglected or poorly described. The related models are even more complex when finite volumes are placed at the ends of connecting lines. In this paper, two different mathematical models describing transient pressure-waves propagating through lines closed by finite volumes are presented. The investigation regards pressure and velocity ranges normally operating in industrial pneumatic systems. Besides the value of new system modeling of different complexity, these models are compared from an analytical and numerical point of view; advantages, disadvantages, weakness, abilities, and inabilities are highlighted and, finally, the relevant analysis is corroborated through experimental validations of wave propagating pressure at fixed positions of ducts. This study results both in the presentation of models of practical interest, as well as in an attempt to provide an elucidation on the need to resort to an accurate model rather than a streamlined one with respect to the geometric and/or operative characteristics of industrial pneumatic systems.
