Hydraulics (Engineering) - Principles and Applications of Hydraulics

Principles and Applications of Hydraulics

Overview

Hydraulics is fluid power technology dealing with the ways of using pressurizedpressurised liquid for doing work. Hydraulic systems are commonly used where mechanisms require large forces and precise control. Examples include vehicle power steering and brakes, hydraulic jacks and heavy earth moving machines.

Liquid is ideal for transferring a force from the control mechanism to the mechanism doing the work. For example transferring force from the brake pedal to the wheel brake in a car. Because liquid does not compress, it transfers all the force and enables precise movement.

In this work you will:

Identify the fundamental parts of a hydraulic system and common uses
Determine that liquids are incompressible
Observe how hydraulic components can be connected together to construct a hydraulic circuit
Construct a hydraulic circuit to operate a hydraulic cylinder
Identify applications of hydraulics

Hydraulic Applications

In this presentation you will see examples of where hydraulics are used in real world applications.
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Introduction to Hydraulics

In this presentation you will see what hydraulic systems are. You will explore some of the safety issues associated with hydraulic systems and the fluids used in them.
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Compressing Fluids!

Hydraulic systems use liquid to transfer force from one place to another. Pneumatic systems use air to transfer force from one place to another. Air is compressible and liquid is incompressible. It is this difference that makes hydraulic and pneumatic systems behave in different ways.

You are going to construct a pneumatic circuit with syringes and plastic tubing. The syringes will be used to demonstrate the operation of a simple pneumatic circuit. You will also construct a hydraulic circuit with syringes, plastic tubing and water. You will compare the differences and similarities between the pneumatic and hydraulic systems.

Hydraulic Circuit

Hydraulic systems are constructed using connections between components. The components perform different functions, and the connections allow fluid to flow between them.

You are going to use the Hydraulics Trainer to construct a circuit that extends the piston of a cylinder. The circuit will then be modified to retract the piston of the cylinder.

If this activity is presented to a group it is advisable to use a printed version of the instructions.

Building a Hydraulic Circuit

A hydraulic circuit in the Hydraulics Simulator.

Connecting components and following paths of fluid flow is important to understanding the operation of complete hydraulic systems.

You are going to use the Hydraulics Simulator to construct a circuit that extends the piston of a cylinder. The circuit will then be modified to retract the piston.

Assessment and Review

Answer the questions in the assessment and complete the review.

Before handing in your work ensure that you have completed all the required activities.