CFD Analysis of the intake manifold of a hydraulic circuit

The paper deals with an application of CFD tools to investigate the overall pressure losses encountered in the intake manifold of a hydraulic circuit used in an agricultural tractor. The investigation technique focused on the trial of available tools for actual geometry transfer from CAD to CFD programs, in order to get an effective design loop for industrial application. Many features of the procedure will be highlighted, and a full investigation of the internal flow field presented. The industrial application allowed an improved placement of the pressure ports with respect to the initial design and a better shaping on internal surfaces according to expected flow conditions.