Date of Defense

4-21-2026

Date of Graduation

5-2026

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

First Advisor

Javier Montfort

Second Advisor

Christopher Dykstra

Abstract

Hydraulic pumps in aerospace applications are critical for actuating aircraft components such as landing gear, flaps, and control surfaces. These pumps must reliably supply high-pressure hydraulic fluid to ensure safe and efficient aircraft operation. Parker Hannifin supplies a significant portion of the world’s hydraulic pumps for aerospace applications. After manufacturing, these pumps are tested at Parker’s facility through a closed-loop hydraulic system that incorporates Bosch Rexroth control valves, including single-stage and dual-stage valves with their respective manifolds.

Due to the lack of direct mounting interfaces, a custom manifold is required to connect these valves to the hydraulic pump. The various test stands operate with Skydrol fluids 500 B-4 and LD-4, as well as Red-Oil MIL-H-5606A at pressures up to 5,000 psi and flow rates up to 100 gallons per minute (gpm) for the dual stage valve and 40 gpm for the single stage valve. Additionally, the test stands require large one-way flow. The available Bosch valves are two-way, single-flow components and require external plumbing on the current manifolds to achieve a one-way twin-flow configuration that maximizes hydraulic fluid flow during testing.

By redesigning the manifold with optimized internal flow passages that connect to specific ports, it is possible to achieve one-way twin flow from the same valves without the need for external piping. The manifold must withstand high operating pressures, maintain efficient flow routing, and integrate securely with the hydraulic system to accurately simulate in-flight actuation conditions. The objective of this project is to design a valve manifold capable of effectively infinite fatigue life, zero corrosion in a Skydrol environment, and minimal pressure drop to ensure reliable pump testing and support aircraft safety validation.

Comments

Co-authored with:

Jason Moreau

Lane Adams

Amanda Glanton

Gabriel Spees

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Restricted

Download

Share

COinS