Solid-liquid flow characteristics and sticking-force analysis of valve-core fitting clearance

External contamination particles or wear particles corroded by a valve body are mixed into the fluid. As a result, when the fluid enters the fitting clearance of the valve core, it can cause an increase in resistance and lead to sticking failure of the valve core. This paper analyzes solid-liquid flow characteristics in fitting clearances and valve-core sticking based on the Euler-Euler model, using a typical hydraulic valve as an example. The impact of particle concentration and diameter on flow characteristics and valve-core sticking force was analyzed. The highest volume fraction of particles was in the pressure-equalizing groove (PEG), with peak values increasing as the particle diameter increased. The sticking force increased with increasing particle concentration. When the particle diameter was 12 µm, the sticking force was the largest, making this the sensitive particle diameter. Particle distribution and valve-core sticking force were compared for oval, rectangular, and triangular PEGs. The fluid-deflection angles in oval and rectangular PEGs were larger, and their values were 32.83° and 39.15°, respectively. The fluid-deflection angle in the triangular PEG was relatively small, less than 50% that of the oval or rectangular PEGs. The particle-volume-fraction peaks in oval, rectangular, and triangular PEGs were 0.0317, 0.0316, and 0.0312, respectively. The sticking forces of oval, rectangular, and triangular PEGs were 4.796, 4.802, and 4.757 N, respectively when the particle diameter was 12 µm. This work provides a reference for design and research aimed at reducing valve-core sticking.