The positive displacement pump used to power hydraulic-assisted steering is one of the main noise sources in an automotive steering system. DHB Componentes Automotivos, a manufacturer of steering systems for automotive and marine applications located in Brazil, is using ANSYS CFX software to analyze and understand the flow behavior within their pumps.

Customers are now looking for cars with very low noise levels. As engines are improved for quiet operation, noise from other areas such as the steering system is becoming more and more apparent. Noise level is now the first requirement analyzed when an automotive manufacturer selects a hydraulic steering system.