Pressure in fluids - Hydraulic machines Zoja Krausova

The basics behind hydraulic machines are quite simple - they're a system that
transfer force which is applied at one point to another point by using an incompressible fluid
("How Hydraulic Machines Work"). Hydraulic machines are found all around us for example
pumps, cars and dishwashers all use some sort of hydraulic system, and since they are so
common it is quite interesting to look into all the various uses.
The implementation of pressure in hydraulic machines is most easily observable in
the most basic type of hydraulic system - two cylinders with movable pistons, with the
system filled with a fluid which is usually oil. Apply pressure to one cylinder by pushing it
down, and it will push the fluid underneath it to the other side, lifting the other cylinder up.

This is the basic principle of any hydraulic system. Pressure will be applied to a larger
piston and the pressure applied will move the liquid to the smaller piston (in some cases
there can be more than one of these pistons), and that piston will rise.
The size difference between the pistons plays a great role in how much pressure is
needed to be applied in order to lift the smaller piston up. The greater the larger piston is in
size compared to the smaller one, the less pressure is needed, and vice versa. The nice thing
about this is that it is quite easy to calculate what I call hydraulic multiplication.

If the pistons are equal size, as in figure one, and pressure is applied to piston A2, it
will move one unit for each unit piston A1 moves, meaning they will move at the same
speed. If the situation is like in figure two, piston A2 will move three units for each unit A1
moves, and therefore only 1/3 of the pressure we would need in figure one is needed here.
 In car brakes, there is one master cylinder (where the pressure is created) and four
slave cylinders (into which the pressure travels and acts). When you press the brakes, you
apply pressure onto the master cylinder which passes it via the fluid onto the slave cylinders
in each wheel, and they cause the car to brake ("How the braking system works"). The larger
pressure applied, the faster the fluid will travel, and the faster the slave cylinders can act.

Most cars now have twin hydraulic circuits which contain two master cylinders
instead of one, in case one of them were to fail. Newer cars are also equipped with a special
valve that slows the fluid down in case there would be a risk of destruction to the system.
Hydraulic machines are extremely useful in more domestic areas such as your house,
your office or shops. Certain types of dishwashers that are equipped with hydraulic systems
work faster and are way quieter. Many office chairs contain hydraulic systems and allow you
to set the height and therefore sit more comfortably. The same mechanism is found in
barber chairs, where a barber can use the pump to adjust the height of their client. Next to
these social aspects, hydraulic machines can also help in environmental situations, such is
the case with snowplows or excavators. For a cultural aspect, hydraulic machines can be
found in some theater props which allow other props of even actors to be lifted up and
down. These are most commonly used in theater "bridges" in which a person operates these
devices by forwarding pressure from one end to the other and then back, and the bridges
lean to one side and then the other, and give the scene a more realistic look.
The invention of hydraulics generally reduced the amount of work. Instead of
pushing a heavy load up an inclined plane to load it into a transportation vehicle, we can use
hydraulic ramps instead, and the job gets done easier and faster. They work with the basic
principle of pressure, where its applied on one side, and travels through the fluid to the
other. Hydraulic machines can be found all around us and all are incredibly helpful in various
aspects to the humankind.
Sources:

Brain, Marshall. “How Hydraulic Machines Work.” HowStuffWorks, 27 Jan. 2020,

science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/hydraulic1.htm. Accessed April
30, 2021.
“How the Braking System Works.” How a Car Works,
www.howacarworks.com/basics/how-the-braking-system-works. Accessed April 30, 2021.
“Hydraulic Use in the Theatre.” Completely Hydraulic UK,
comphydraulic.com/theatre-use/. Accessed April 30, 2021.
“Principles of Hydraulic Pressure and Flow.” Portfolio for Luke Sowash,
tbaisdmtalsowash.weebly.com/principles-of-hydraulic-pressure-and-flow.html. Accessed
April 30, 2021.
“Simple Hydraulic Machines: How Do They Work?” IOPSpark, spark.iop.org/simple-
hydraulic-machines-how-do-they-work#gref. Accessed April 30, 2021.
“Where Are Hydraulic Systems Found in Everyday Life?” Worlifts, 26 June 2014,
www.worlifts.co.uk/blog/hydraulic-systems-found-everyday-life/. Accessed April 30, 2021.