Deflector Optimization in reducing cavitation intensity in the pilot stage of deflector jet servo-valve

The numerical analysis is performed by using the commercial computational fluid dynamics software STAR CCM + to investigate the pressure gain coefficients, the flow field and cavitation distributions in the pilot stage under same supply pressure and return pressure with structural optimization of the deflector V-groove shape and the length of the inlet nozzle for the various deflector displacement are carried out. By analyzing with different structural parameters, possible influential parameters have been obtained contributing to flow cavitation phenomena in the pilot stage of the deflector jet servo valve. The aim of this analysis is to evaluate the deflector jet servo valve fluid dynamic performance, exploiting computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques, in order to give the reliable indications needed to define the deflector nozzle design criteria and avoid expensive experimental tests. Finally, the effectiveness of the innovative deflector shape in reducing cavitation intensity and overall better performance has been achieved.