A Theoretical Model for Self-Excited Vibrations in Hydraulic Gates, Valves and Seals

A general theoretical model is presented for the jet flow mechanism of self-excited vibrations of flow control devices operating at small openings. The coupled nonlinear differential equations are solved numerically using the Runge-Kutta method. The vibration displacement and discharge characteristics are given for a variety of parameters such as structural stiffness, fluid inertia and discharge coefficient. The predictions are shown to agree reasonably well with the experimental observations of swing check valve vibrations.