Simulation and analysis of a voice coil motor direct drive valve (VCM-DDV) based on a co-simulation environment by AMESim and simulink

High bandwidth, high flow rate electro-hydraulic valves typically have two or more stages. Multi-stage valves (i.e. nozzle flapper valves) are expensive, and require Meticulously clean fluid. Single stage spool valves are cheaper and more reliable; however, they are not suitable for high bandwidth applications due to the limitation of the stroking actuator. With the development of electric linear actuators the single stage servo valves also called DDV (Direct Drive Valve) have seen rapid development. In this research, a new kind of valve called a "Voice Coil Motor Direct Drive Valve" (VCM-DDV)(1) has been investigated by some of the authors. In this paper the basic structure of the VCM-DDV is presented, and some methods for reducing the flow forces are discussed. A non-linear model of the DDV-VCM is simulated using a co-simulation approach involving AMESim (R), the power bond graph (PBG) and MatLab/Simulink (R) using this co-simulation approach, factors such as damping length, and VCM current-force coefficient on the performance of the valve are discussed.