Modélisation numérique des phénomènes de mécanique du solide et de mécanique des fluides qui régissent le mouvement et le culbutage d’une soupape annulaire.

The reciprocating compressor is a vital component in refrigeration systems, and the compressor valves are key for the compressor performance. In the present work, we have developed and employed a coupled simulation strategy using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element modeling (FEM) to account for the physical phenomena that control the ring plate valve dynamics. The discharge valve of an ammonia compressor is considered, and the detailed geometry is included. We study the different variations in the
compressor configuration that can cause unsteady valve motion with rotation and tumbling of the ring. It is found that both pressure inhomogeneity in the discharge chamber as well as spring non-uniformity can initiate the valve rotation. The gas flow during rotation has the possibility to amplify the rotation and increase the impact speed of the ring plate edge. We discuss the consequences of this for the efficiency and reliability of the system.