Key points of the working principle of the oil pump for aviation piston engines

The key points of the working principle of the oil pump for aviation piston engines are as follows:

First, basic functions

The oil pump is a core component in the lubrication system of an aviation piston engine. Its main function is to draw the engine oil from the oil pan (or oil tank) and pressurize it to deliver it to all the parts inside the engine that require lubrication, ensuring that all the moving parts inside the engine are adequately lubricated and cooled.

Second, working principle

Drive mode

The oil pump is usually driven by the crankshaft or camshaft of the engine through gears or chains, etc. In an aviation piston engine, the oil pump may be driven by a specific drive shaft.

Oil absorption process

When the oil pump starts to work, its impeller (or gear) rotates under the drive of the pump shaft.

The rotation of the impeller (or gear) will create a low-pressure area at the oil inlet. Due to the effect of atmospheric pressure, engine oil is sucked into the oil inlet of the oil pump.

Oil pressing process

After entering the oil pump, the engine oil is pushed towards the oil outlet as the impeller (or gear) continues to rotate.

At the oil outlet, the engine oil is squeezed by the impeller (or gear), and the pressure rises, forming high-pressure engine oil.

Oil transportation process

High-pressure engine oil enters the lubricating oil passage of the engine through the oil outlet of the oil pump.

Engine oil is transported along the lubricating oil passage to various parts of the engine that require lubrication, such as the crankshaft, connecting rod, camshaft, cylinder wall, etc.

Third, structural form

The structural form of the oil pump for an aviation piston engine may vary depending on the engine model and design requirements. The common structural forms of oil pumps include gear type and rotor type. Gear-type oil pumps are further classified into external meshing gear type and internal meshing gear type.

Fourth, working characteristics

Pressure regulation

To ensure that all components inside the engine are adequately lubricated, the oil pump needs to generate sufficient pressure.

Meanwhile, to prevent excessive oil pressure from causing damage to the engine, an oil pressure regulator is usually installed in the oil pump system to keep the oil pressure within an appropriate range.

Unidirectional flow

A check valve is usually installed in the oil pump or oil circuit to ensure the unidirectional flow of engine oil.

This can prevent the engine oil from flowing back to the oil pan when the engine stops running, ensuring that the oil pressure can be quickly established when the engine is restarted.

Continuous loop

The oil pump needs to work continuously to ensure that the engine oil circulates inside the engine.

After lubrication and cooling, the engine oil flows back to the oil pan and is sucked in by the oil pump again, forming a circulating oil supply.

Fifth, maintenance and upkeep

To ensure the normal operation of the oil pump of the aviation piston engine, regular maintenance and upkeep are required. This includes checking the working condition of the oil pump, cleaning the oil pump and lubricating oil passage, and replacing worn parts, etc.

In summary, the working principle of the oil pump for an aviation piston engine involves multiple aspects, including the driving mode, oil suction process, oil pressure process, oil delivery process, structural form, working characteristics, as well as maintenance and upkeep. Understanding these key points helps to better comprehend the working principle of the oil pump, thereby ensuring the normal operation and lifespan of the engine.