Transcript project update 11-11-13.pptx

Investigation into the wear of a
Ball Valve
Problem Definition
• The wear rate of a ball valve defines the
number of cycles the valve is rated for.
• This assumes a small ball valve, quarter turn
(90 degree), 2-way, 2-position. Assume
intermittent operation. A small (<= 1-inch
valve) will be modeled. Problem is a
circumferential load on a sphere
Emphasis of research
• Research includes wear rates of relevant (plastic) seat material properties
and wear characteristics. Various papers on wear tests available to
potentially use for test data.
• For computation efficiency an axi-symmetric model will be created in FEA
software.
– Abaqus appears to use Archard wear model
– Compare to analytical method
– May need to use adaptive meshing
– Ball will be a rigid body
– Nominal sizes will be used
– Potential thermal effects included