Piston eccentricity and friction force measurement in a hydraulic cylinderin dynamic conditions considering the form deviations on a piston

Geometrical imperfections on pistons cause an asymmetric pressure distribut ion in the clearance between the piston and cylinder bore. Due to this, the piston attains different eccentricity positions during a stroke. The eccen tricity of the piston affects the performance of the cylinder by influencin g the frictional and leakage aspects. A compact mechatronic test rig is des igned and fabricated to measure the piston eccentricity and friction in a d ynamic condition. Pistons of defined geometric profiles such as elliptic an d three-lobe are fabricated using a machining center, These pistons have be en introduced into the test rig. The eccentricity and dynamic friction test s are conducted at various operating conditions and the results are present ed and analysed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd, All rights reserved.