Expt N0.

4
Aim: Testing of Linear Actuator on hydraulic trainer.
Key words: Linear Actuator, Extension Stroke, Retraction Stroke.

Apparatus: Hydraulic Trainer. It consists of pressure relief valve, solenoid valve, flow control
valve, actuators and other accessories.

Theory:
When the hydraulic trainer is switched on, oil in the tank passes through different auxiliary
equipment and extension and retraction strokes take place. Extension stroke allow the load to lift
upward while retraction stroke allows the load to move downward.
The power transmitted by hydraulic system is given by
Power = Pressure x Flow
Assuming pressure and flow remaining constant the power transmitted in forward and return
stroke remains constant.
Assuming pump flow as Qp which remains constant for forward as well as for return stroke,
by continuity equation we can write,
Qp=A1 V1 =A2 V2
Qp Qp
Or V1  and V2 
A1 A2
Where A1= Area on which fluid is acting during forward stroke.
V1= Velocity of forward stroke.
A2= Area on which fluid is acting during return stroke.
V2= Velocity of return stroke.

1
As Qp is constant V
A
As shown in diagram, the area on which fluid acts is different for forward and return stroke.
For forward stroke it acts on complete surface area of piston while for return stroke it acts on
area which is equal to the difference of piston area and rod area. As area is different for forward
and return stroke therefore velocity will also be different.

Fig: Difference in surface area on which fluid acts in two strokes.

Circuit Diagram:

Fig: Double Acting Cylinder

Procedure:
1. Switch on main supply.
2. Observe the hydraulic trainer carefully and see whether it is properly working or not.
3. Set the trainer pressure in kg/cm2.
4. Without keeping the load on system take the first reading at 10 kg/cm2 pressure for time
required for completion of forward and return stroke.
5. Similarly take readings for time required for forward and return stroke for different loads.
6. Switch off the hydraulic trainer.

Observation Table:
Pressure (kg/cm2) Load (Kg) Time required for Time required for
Forward Stroke (sec) Return Stroke (sec)
4
8
25 12
4
8
50 12
4
8
75 12

Conclusion: