Computational and experimental investigation on solenoid valve dynamics

A generally applicable, synthetic simulation model and computational tool has been elaborated for dynamic simulation of solenoid valves (SV) applied as control elements in fast-response pneumatic fluid power systems. The SV of case study has been modeled as a system consisting of coupled magnetodynamic and mechanical subsystems. At the present state of investigation, fluid dynamic effects are not considered in the model. The appropriateness of the model has been verified by experimental data. The simulation model resolves the valve body motion and the solenoid current at a high accuracy. It has been pointed out in the concerted numerical and experimental studies that the valve body performs repetitive flexible collision (bouncing) at its opened end-position. Such initial vibrating motion of valve body may affect favorably the SV fluid transmission characteristics, transferring momentum to the fluid in the orifice cross-section. The investigation reveals that the valve body penetrates to the flexible contact surface at its opened end-position. This results in an actual valve body displacement 50 percent higher than the geometrical displacement (determined from the SV geometry with neglect of penetration). Such modified displacement may result in flow transmission characteristics differing significantly from the SV design condition (considering the geometry with no deformation). The SV flow transmission characteristics will be studied in a SV model supplemented with fluid mechanical submodels.