Finite element method-based investigation of deformation of pump diaphragm and its influence on pump perfomance

Abstract

Diaphragm (membrane) pumps are reciprocating positive displacement pumps. Transport of liquid is achieved through reciprocating motion of the diaphragm. In the case of hydraulically actuated diaphragm pumps, diaphragm displacement is realized through the action of hydraulic fluid. Advantage of this approach is more uniform stress distribution across the diaphragm. The further development of this type of pumps is limited by largely unknown mechanical behavior of diaphragm structure, uninvestigated flow fields inside the pump and fluid-structure interaction. Finite element method (FEM) is numerical method commonly used for analysis of problems in mehcanics of solids. in previous works at our Institute, FEM has been successfully applied on range of engineering problems, such as simulation of pump doaphragms. however general nimerical tools are often unsuitable for engineering analysis of problems occurring in diaphragm pumps. In this work FEM and specially developed tools will be applied to investigate problems of diaphragm deformation.