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The purpose of this paper is to propose a new simplified numerical model, based on a very compact semi-empirical formulation, able to simulate the fluid dynamics behaviors of an electrohydraulic servovalve taking into account several effects due to valve geometry (e.g. flow leakage between spool and sleeve) and operating conditions (e.g. variable supply pressure or water hammer).

The proposed model simulates the valve performance through a simplified representation, deriving from the linearized approach based on pressure and flow gains, but able to evaluate the mutual interaction between boundary conditions, pressure saturation and leak assessment. Its performance was evaluated comparing with other fluid dynamics numerical models (a detailed physics-based high-fidelity one and other simplified models available in the literature).

Although still showing some limitations attributable to its simplified formulation, the proposed model overcomes several deficiencies typical of the most common fluid dynamic models available in the literature, describing the water hammer and the nonlinear dependence of the delivery differential pressure with the spool displacement.

Although still based on a simplified formulation with reduced computational costs, the proposed model introduces a new nonlinear approach that, approximating with suitable precision the pressure-flow fluid dynamic characteristic of a servovalve, overcomes the shortcomings typical of such models.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of reciprocating compressor speeds and valve conditions on the roor-mean-square (RMS) value of burst acoustic emission (AE) signals associated with the physical motion of valves. The study attempts to explore the potential of AE signal in the estimation of valve damage under varying compressor speeds.

This study involves the acquisition of AE signal, valve flow rate, pressure and temperature at the suction valve of an air compressor with speed varrying from 450 to 800 rpm. The AE signals correspond to one compressor cycle obtained from two simulated valve damage conditions, namely, the single leak and double leak conditions are compared to those of the normal valve plate. To examine the effects of valve conditions and speeds on AE RMS values, two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) is conducted. Finally, regression analysis is performed to investigate the relationship of AE RMS with the speed and valve flow rate for different valve conditions.

The results showed that AE RMS values computed from suction valve opening (SVO), suction valve closing (SVC) and discharge valve opening (DVO) events are significantly affected by both valve conditions and speeds. The AE RMS value computed from SVO event showed high linear correlation with speed compared to SVC and DVO events for all valve damage conditions. As this study is conducted at a compressor running at freeload, increasing speed of compressor also results in the increment of flow rate. Thus, the valve flow rate can also be empirically derived from the AE RMS value through the regression method, enabling a better estimation of valve damages.

The experimental test rig of this study is confined to a small pressure ratio range of 1.38–2.03 (free-loading condition). Besides, the air compressor is assumed to be operated at a constant speed.

This study employed the statistical methods namely the ANOVA and regression analysis for valve damage estimation at varying compressor speeds. It can enable a plant personnel to make a better prediction on the loss of compressor efficiency and help them to justify the time for valve replacement in future.

THE considerable difficulties encountered in designing a test rig which would allow of unbroken fuel supply from tanks whose attitude was being changed continuously was successfully overcome.

The purpose of this paper is to apply a hybrid neuro-fuzzy paradigm called self-organizing neuro-fuzzy multilayered classifier (SONeFMUC) to classify the operating faults of a hydraulic system. The main motivation behind the use of SONeFMUC is to attest the capabilities of neuro-fuzzy classifier for handling the difficulties associated with fault diagnosis of hydraulic circuits.

In the proposed methodology, first, the neuro-fuzzy nodes at each layer of the SONeFMUC are trained separately using two well-known bio-inspired algorithms, i.e. a semi deterministic method with random walks called co-variance matrix adaptation evolutionary strategy (CMA-ES) and a swarm-based explorer with adaptive fuzzified parameters (SBEAFP). Thereafter, a revised version of the group method data handling (GMDH) policy that uses the Darwinian concepts such as truncation selection and elitism is engaged to connect the nodes of different layers in an effective manner.

Based on comparative numerical experiments, the authors conclude that integration of neuro-fuzzy method and bio-inspired supervisor results in a really powerful classification tool beneficial for uncertain environments. It is proved that the method outperforms some well-known classifiers such as support vector machine (SVM) and particle swarm optimization-based SVM (PSO-SVM). Besides, it is indicated that an efficient bio-inspired method can effectively adjust the constructive parameters of the multi-layered neuro-fuzzy classifier. For the case, it is observed that designing a fuzzy controller for PSO predisposes it to effectively balance the exploration/exploitation capabilities, and consequently optimize the structure of SONeFMUC.

The originality of the paper can be considered from both numerical and practical points of view. The signals obtained through the data acquisition possess six different features in order for the hydraulic system to undergo four types of faults, i.e. cylinder fault, pump fault, valve leakage fault and rupture of the piping system. Besides, to elaborate on the authenticity and efficacy of the proposed method, its performance is compared with well-known rival techniques.

Compares the features of the 1995 Boeing 777 with its predecessors, highlighting the increased use of digital technology. Emphasizes the much improved reliability of the on‐board maintenance system and describes the sophisticated built‐in fault reporting and test capabilities.

Innovative stress wave sensors could find wide application in industry.

The non‐destructive inspection of large concrete walls (e.g. dams, bridge pylons) with autonomous systems is still an unsolved problem. One of the main difficulties is to develop a very flexible platform, which is able to move and inspect horizontal and vertical surfaces safely, and which is fast and cost‐efficient. The purpose of this paper is to present a climbing robot designed with these attributes in mind.

This paper presents the Climbing RObot with Multiple Sucking Chambers for Inspection, which is designed for inspection of concrete walls. The propulsion system consists of three omnidirectional‐driven wheels for high maneuverability. The adhesion is performed by a vacuum system of seven controllable vacuum chambers and one large reservoir chamber. Pressure sensors and valves are integrated for controlling, which allows fast reaction on changing conditions.

The comparison of simulated results and a simple prototype indicates that the developed physical model is exact enough to estimate the efficiency of the proposed adhesion mechanism. The propulsion system has been tested extensively and allows high maneuverability on reasonably flat ground.

This paper introduces a climbing robot which will allow higher objectivity and reproducibility of inspections as well as safe working conditions for technicians. With such a machine one can check the building via remote control or semi‐autonomously.

Electrohydraulic servos have been widely applied to the task of precisely positioning heavy loads. Common examples from the military field are radar antenna and rocket engine swivelling drives. In the commercial area large machine tool position controls are a prime example. Even with relatively substantial driving linkages, the inertia of these loads frequently results in low natural frequency of the output load‐driver structure. Very commonly this is combined with extremely small natural damping forces. Natural frequencies from 5 to 20 c.p.s. with damping ratios in the oder of 0·05 critical are typical. This combination of resonance with low damping creates a severe stability and performance problem for the electrohydraulic servo drive. Efforts to deal with this problem have centred on introducing artificial damping. In the past this has been done either by use of a controlled piston by‐pass leakage path or by use of a load force feedback path. The former technique is simple but wasteful with respect to power and inherently involves serious performance compromises. The latter technique can be arranged to be unassailable on theoretical grounds. However, it leads to severe system complication and large incremental hardware requirements. Questions of a reliability penalty are raised. A new technique has been developed which possesses all the performance advantages of load feedback without serious increase in complexity. Called Dynamic Pressure Feedback, this technique involves only a modification of servo valve component. It utilizes for feedback purposes the inherently high load forces developed as piston differential pressures, insuring reliable operation. The pressures needed are already available at the valve. No new hydraulic or electrical connexions are added. The performance advantages adduced for the Dynamic Pressure Feedback Servo Valve have been confirmed in carefully controlled comparative tests on a typical load system. Correspondence of test data with analytical prediction is good. A sufficient number of Dynamic Pressure Feedback Servo Valves have been produced on a pilot production line and installed in several applications in the field to insure producibility and design reliability.

Internal leakage is one of the key factors that influence the super-low speed performance of continuous rotary electro-hydraulic servo motor. Therefore, this paper aims to study the change rule of internal leakage for improving the low speed performance of motor.

The mathematical models of internal leakage of continuous rotary electro-hydraulic servo motor were established, and according to the working principle of the motor, the 3D models of internal leakage location were established. Simulation analysis was implemented on the continuous rotary electro-hydraulic servo motor by the finite element analysis software ANSYS based on the fluid-structure interaction theory.

The results show the deformation of motor’s key parts and the changing rule of internal leakage. The effect of the leakage to the low speed performance of electro-hydraulic servo motor was analyzed, and at the same time, the motor’s leakage experiment was also conducted to verify the validity of simulation results.

This paper lays the foundation for improving the low speed performance of motor.

THESE notes have been prepared because it is a fact that there is no publication available to the ordinary aeroplane mechanic which gives him the essential information which will guide him in the overhaul and maintenance of hydraulic equipment. There are only one or two books which even touch on the subject other than the official (and very excellent) R.A.F. publication, A.P. 1803.