Predicting the Required Slipper Hold-Down Force Within an Axial-Piston Swash-Plate Type Hydrostatic Pump

Abstract The objectives of this research are to determine the physical contributors that tend to separate the slippers from the swash plate within an axial-piston pump. Upon determining these contributors, the hold-down force that is required for maintaining contact between the slippers and the swash plate is determined. This force is then expressed in terms of pump design-parameters and operating conditions. Physically inspecting six industrial pumps and measuring the theoretical calculations against the a-posteriori results of successful pump designs validates the analytical results of this research. By confirming the analysis of this research, an a-priori approach is recommended for adequately specifying the required spring load for the slipper hold-down mechanism.