The discharge pressure pulsation emanating from hydraulic pumps is called Fluidborne Noise because it can excite other circuit components into radiating audible noise. Cut and try methods are often used to solve problems caused by this form of vibratory energy. It is felt that a better understanding of the mechanics of fluidborne noise can lead to more efficient approaches to such problems. This paper discusses these mechanics including the generation of fluidborne noise in pumps, its characteristics, how it is minimized by pump design, the formation of standing waves, measurement of this noise and some of the methods used to abate it.
