Numerical investigation of orifice nearfield flow development in oleo-pneumatic shock absorbers

The flow field development through a simplified shock absorber orifice geometry is investigated using a single phase Large Eddy Simulation. Hydraulic oil is used as the working fluid with a constant inlet velocity and an open top boundary to allow the study to focus on the free shear layer and the flow development in the vicinity of the main orifice. The flow field is validated using standard mixing layer dynamics. The impact of the orifice shape is discussed with regards to the initial free shear layer growth, boundary layer development and the potential appearance of cavitation bubbles. Observations are made regarding the presence of flow field disturbances upstream of and through the orifice, thereby, leading to a notable turbulence intensity level in those regions.