Computational and Experimental Study of Plastic Valves with 3D Printed Poppets

This research aims to investigate the flow characteristics of plastic valves with 3D-printed poppets using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and experimental validation. Plastic valves have been gaining popularity in various industries due to their lightweight, corrosion resistance, and low cost. However, the use of plastic valves in fluid flow applications is still limited due to concerns about their durability and performance. The poppet, being the main component of a valve, plays a crucial role in determining the valve’s performance. In this study, poppets have been 3D printed using polylactic acid (PLA) material. Different poppets shapes were tested using CFD simulations and experimental tests to obtain pressure-flow characteristics. The numerical approach to obtain the valves flow characteristics includes the cavitation model to ensure better agreement with the experimental data. The results of this research provide insights into the suitability of plastic valves for various applications and the importance of experimental validation in the design process.