Fluid Power

MEC 21221
August 2020
Learning outcomes (1/2)
After the course the student is able to
- Describe technical fundamentals of hydraulic and
pneumatic systems
- Describe general characteristics of different pressure
media
- Analyze the behavior of pressure and flow in
hydraulic
and pneumatic systems
- Describe the operation and control of hydraulic and
pneumatic components, the factors affecting to the
operation, and the effect of the components to the
system
Learning outcomes (2/2)
After the course the student is able to
- Analyze and calculate the characteristics, properties and
operation of hydraulic and pneumatic systems
- Analyze diagrams of hydraulic and pneumatic systems
- Build simple hydraulic and pneumatic systems
- Document hydraulic and pneumatic systems
Course Arrangements
Lectures
- Sat & Tue, 1:05 until 5:30
Obligatory part
- 1 Research Assignment or Exams and Quizzes
- Attendance
Voluntary part
- Calculation Exercises
Study material
-Reference: Anthony Esposito “Fluid Power with Applications” Seventh Edition.
-Lecture slides.
-Calculation Exercises.
-Internet
E-Communication
Microsoft Team:
- General course arrangements, discussions and instructions
- Course material
-If needed, personal/group-specific announcements concerning exercises ,informing
about sudden changes in teaching events.
 Chapter 1
Introduction to Fluid Power
WHAT IS FLUID POWER?
Fluid power is the technology that deals with the generation, control, and transmission of
power, using pressurized fluids.
Fluid power is called hydraulics when the fluid is a liquid and is called pneumatics
when the fluid is a gas
There are actually two different types of fluid systems: fluid transport and
fluid power.
Fluid power systems are designed specifically to perform work. The work is
accomplished by a pressurized fluid bearing directly on an operating fluid cylinder or
fluid motor called actuators.
A fluid cylinder produces a force resulting in linear motion, whereas a
fluid motor produces a torque resulting in rotary motion.
Application examples
Basic methods of transmitting power:
1.Electrical
2. Mechanical
3. Fluid power
Fluid systems can transmit power more economically over greater distances than
can mechanical types. However, fluid systems are restricted to shorter distances than
are electrical systems.
ADVANTAGES OF FLUID POWER
1. Ease and accuracy of control. By the use of simple levers and push buttons,
the operator of a fluid power system can readily start, stop, speed up or slow down,
and position forces that provide any desired horsepower.
2. Multiplication of force.
3. Constant force or torque.
Drawbacks of Fluid Power
Leakage: Hydraulic pipeline can burst due to excessive oil pressure.
Dust : formation of impurities the will decrease the efficiency of the hydraulic
system.
Temperature: will affect on the viscosity of the fluid
Noise: emanates from components such as pumps, compressors, and pipelines.
must be properly designed, installed, and maintained so that they operate in a safe,
reliable, efficient, and cost-effective manner.
COMPONENTS OF A FLUID POWER SYSTEM
There are six basic components required in a hydraulic system
Hydraulic System
1. A tank (reservoir) to hold the hydraulic oil
2. A pump to force the oil through the system
3. An electric motor or other power source to drive the
pump
4. Valves to control oil direction, pressure, and flow rate
5. An actuator to convert the pressure of the oil into
mechanical force or torque
to do useful work.
6. Piping, which carries the oil from one location to
another
Pneumatic System
1. An air tank to store a given volume of compressed air
2. A compressor to compress the air that comes directly
from the atmosphere
3. An electric motor or other prime mover to drive the
compressor
4. Valves to control oil direction, pressure, and flow rate
5. Actuators, which are similar in operation to hydraulic
actuators
6. Piping to carry the pressurized air from one location
to another
Closed loop versus open loop systems
Types of fluid power control systems
1. Electrical control systems
2. Fluid logic control systems
3. Programmable logic control system

End of Chapter 1
 Chapter 2
Physical properties of hydraulic
fluids
Hydraulic fluids
The most important material in a hydraulic system is the working fluid.
It is important to use a clean, high-quality fluid in order to achieve efficient
hydraulic system operation.
A hydraulic fluid has the following four primary functions:
1. Transmit power
2. Lubricate moving parts
3. Seal clearances between mating parts
4. Dissipate heat
Hydraulic fluid should have the following
properties:
1. Good lubricity
2. Ideal viscosity
3. Chemical stability
4. Compatibility with system materials
5. High degree of incompressibility
6. Fire resistance
7. Good heat-transfer capability
8. Low density
9. Foam resistance
10. Nontoxicity
11. Low volatility
 Air is the only gas commonly used in fluid power systems because it is inexpensive
and readily available.
Air also has the following desirable features as a power fluid:
1. It is fire resistant.
2. It is not messy.
3. It can be exhausted back into the atmosphere.
The disadvantages of using air versus using hydraulic oil are:
1. Due to its compressibility, air cannot be used in an application where accurate
positioning or rigid holding is required.
2. Because air is compressible, it tends to be sluggish.
3. Air can be corrosive, since it contains oxygen and water.
4. A lubricant must be added to air to lubricate valves and actuators.
5. Air pressures of greater than 250 psi are typically not used due to the explosion
dangers involved if components such as air tanks should rupture. This is because
air (due to its compressibility) can store a large amount of energy as it is
compressed in a manner similar to that of a mechanical spring.
Property Equation SI English Metric
Weight F=W = mg N [Kgm/𝑠 2] Ib [slugs.ft/𝑠 2] Dyn

Specific weight: N/𝑚3 Ib/𝑓𝑡 3

Specific gravity ___________ _________ _________

S.G.

Density: Kg/𝑚3 Slugs/𝑓𝑡 3

Pressure N/𝑚2 =Pa Psi or PSF

Absolute N.s/𝑚2 =Pa.s Ib.s/𝑓𝑡 2 Poise =

viscosity dyn.s/c𝑚2 or
CP
Kinematic 𝑚2 /s 𝑓𝑡 2 /s Stoke or CS
viscosity
Viscosity index(VI): is a relative measure of an oil’s viscosity change with respect to temperature change

End of Chapter 2