Hydraulics and Pneumatics BE (2015 Course)

Note: 1] On LHS Page Draw Diagram (with pencil & scale), Write Corresponding Description of RHS
Ruled Page and strictly follow this point
2] Simulate all circuits with fluid sim software and attach copy of same (circuit title, name of
student, and roll number) adjacent to hand drawn diagram
Prof.H.N.Deshpande

Title: Test on Linear Hydraulic Actuator

Introduction
Hydraulic systems are used to control & transmit power. A pump driven by prime mover (electric motor)
creates flow of fluid. An actuator is used to convert the energy of the fluid back into mechanical power.
Amount of output power developed depends upon the flow rate, pressure drop across the actuator & its
overall efficiency.
TYPES OF ACTUATORS
1] Linear actuator (hydraulic cylinder)-Provides motion in straight line-Linear displacement depends on
stroke length (length of actuator)-Usually referred to as cylinders, rams (single acting cylinders) or jacks
(cylinder used for lifting)
LINEAR HYDRAULIC ACTUATORS (CYLINDERS) Common Types
A] Single acting cylinder
B] Double acting cylinder
C] Displacement cylinder
D] Special Types: 1] Tandem 2] Telescoping 3] Plunger or ram 4] Cable
5] Diaphragm 6] Bello
2] Rotary actuators (Hydraulic motors). Produces continuous rotational motion-Pump shaft is rotated to
generate flow, a motor shaft is caused to rotate by fluid being forced into the driving chambers
Semi rotary actuators-Produces non-continuous rotational motion-Limited to less than one revolution
(<360°)-Used to produce oscillatory motions in mechanisms
Linear actuator (cylinder)
A] Single acting cylinder

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Hydraulics and Pneumatics BE (2015 Course)

 Produces linear motion in one direction

 Consists of cylinder (barrel), piston, piston-rod (ram) & inlet port at piston end or blank end (other
end is known as rod end)

 Cylinder is machined to high surface finish (honing)

 Fluid enters through inlet port into piston end or blank end –pressure build up-force generation on
piston-movement of piston

 EXTENSION or FORWARD STROKE•RETRACTION or RETURN by compression spring or

under the influence of gravity (only in case of vertical mounting)

 Usage of seals –Piston seal (imparts clearance between piston & cylinder for clear movement), Rod
seal or End seal (prevention of leakage from cylinder), Bearing (supports piston rod) & Wiper
(prevention of dirt/dust entry into the cylinder)

 Drain hole helps in removing the leaked oil across piston seal
 Widely used in hydraulic systems
B] Double acting cylinder

 Produces linear motion in two directions and May be single rod ended or double rod ended
 Piston is connected to smaller diameter piston rod
 Fluid pressure acts on either side of piston alternatively
 Both sides of piston has oil ports
 Fluid enters through left port causing extension stroke while when it enters through right port causes
retraction stroke, for present case

 For a given pressure double acting cylinder (single rod type) exerts greater force when extending
than when retracting

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Hydraulics and Pneumatics BE (2015 Course)

 Five basic parts –Base cap & Bearing cap with port connections, a cylinder barrel, piston & piston
rod
 End caps are secured to barrel through welding or threaded connection
 Smooth inner surface of barrel (seamless drawn tube) to prevent wear & leakage
 Pistons (separates high & low pressure zones) are usually made of cast iron or steel
 Function of End seal, bearing & wiper seal
Hydraulic Cylinder Force, Velocity & Power
Extension Stroke Retraction Stroke

 Extension force is greater than the retraction force for the same operating pressure
 Retraction velocity is greater the extension velocity for the same input flow rate
Cylinder Power
Power developed by hydraulic cylinder equals the product of its force and velocity during a given
stroke
Power = p X Qin

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Hydraulics and Pneumatics BE (2015 Course)

Aim: To conduct Test on Linear Actuator (double acting cylinder) to determine extension
piston velocity, force under no load condition for meter in circuit
Hydraulic Circuit under Testing

Meter in circuit
Hydraulic circuit can be constructed as per diagram shown in the figure.
1] Determination of Velocity during Extension
For this two cases are considered case I FCV is fully open and another case 5-10 % opening of FCV. The
diameters of hydraulic cylinder, pump flow rate, stroke length are known therefore piston velocity can be
determined by using time for piston travel. Velocity = Stroke length / time. This piston velocity can be
verified by using equation QP = A× Vext.
2] Determination of Force during Extension
For this two cases are considered case I FCV is fully open and another case 5-10 % opening of FCV. The
diameters of hydraulic cylinder are known therefore force can be determined by determining pressure for
during piston travel. Force = Pressure/ Area
Note: Simulate the both cases by using Fluid Sim software and attach printouts of the same.

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