Fluid Power Calculations Flashcards
What is fluid power?
The use of fluids under pressure to generate, control, and transmit power.
What are the two main types of fluid power systems?
Hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
True or False: Pneumatic systems use gas to transmit power.
True.
In hydraulic systems, what is the primary working fluid?
Liquid, typically oil.
Fill in the blank: The pressure in a hydraulic system is measured in _____ units.
Pascal (Pa) or pounds per square inch (psi).
What is the main advantage of pneumatic systems over hydraulic systems?
Pneumatic systems are generally cleaner and can operate in environments where oil contamination is a concern.
What is the formula for calculating pressure?
Pressure = Force / Area.
What does a vacuum system do?
A vacuum system removes air and other gases to create a low-pressure environment.
True or False: Hydraulic systems can provide higher force than pneumatic systems.
True.
What is a common application of pneumatic systems?
Air-powered tools, such as nail guns and impact wrenches.
What does the term ‘cylinder volume’ refer to in fluid power?
The space within a cylinder that is occupied by the fluid.
Fill in the blank: The efficiency of a hydraulic system is typically _____ than that of a pneumatic system.
Higher.
What is a hydraulic actuator?
A device that converts hydraulic energy into mechanical motion.
Define ‘flow rate’ in the context of fluid power.
The volume of fluid that passes through a given point in a system per unit of time.
What is the unit of flow rate in hydraulic systems?
Gallons per minute (GPM) or liters per minute (LPM).
True or False: Vacuum pressure is measured in negative pressure units.
True.
What is the purpose of a pressure relief valve in a hydraulic system?
To prevent excessive pressure buildup that could damage the system.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is a critical component that controls the flow of fluid in a hydraulic circuit.
Valve.
What is the relationship between pressure and flow rate in a hydraulic system?
Pressure is the driving force that causes flow; higher pressure usually results in higher flow rates.
How do you calculate hydraulic power?
Hydraulic Power = Pressure x Flow Rate.
What is the primary disadvantage of pneumatic systems?
Lower force output compared to hydraulic systems.
What is a common use for hydraulic power in industry?
Operating heavy machinery such as excavators and forklifts.
True or False: Pneumatic systems can be used in explosive environments.
True, since they do not use flammable liquids.
What does a vacuum pump do?
It removes air and gas from a system to create a vacuum.
What is a common application of vacuum technology?
Packaging, where air is removed to prolong shelf life.
Fill in the blank: The _____ of a fluid affects its viscosity.
Temperature.
What is the purpose of a hydraulic accumulator?
To store energy in the form of hydraulic fluid under pressure.
What does the term ‘cavitation’ refer to in hydraulic systems?
The formation of vapor bubbles in a fluid due to low pressure, which can cause damage when they collapse.
How is vacuum pressure typically measured?
In inches of mercury (inHg) or millibar (mbar).
What is the role of a filter in a hydraulic system?
To remove contaminants from the hydraulic fluid.
True or False: The Bernoulli’s principle applies to both hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
True.
What is the ideal gas law equation?
PV = nRT, where P is pressure, V is volume, n is the number of moles, R is the gas constant, and T is temperature.
What is the main disadvantage of hydraulic systems?
Potential for leaks and fluid contamination.
What does ‘actuator’ mean in fluid power systems?
A device that converts fluid power into mechanical work.
Fill in the blank: A _____ is used to control the direction of fluid flow.
Directional control valve.
What is the primary purpose of a pressure gauge in a fluid power system?
To monitor the pressure of the fluid.
How does temperature affect fluid viscosity?
As temperature increases, viscosity generally decreases.
True or False: The force exerted by a pneumatic cylinder is dependent on the area of the piston and the air pressure.
True.
What is the formula for calculating flow velocity?
Flow Velocity = Flow Rate / Cross-Sectional Area.
What is the function of a check valve in a hydraulic system?
To allow fluid to flow in one direction only.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is the ratio of the output force to the input force in a hydraulic system.
Mechanical advantage.
What type of fluid is typically used in hydraulic systems?
Hydraulic oil.
What is the significance of the Reynolds number in fluid dynamics?
It indicates whether flow is laminar or turbulent.
True or False: Vacuum systems can be used for material handling applications.
True.
What is the primary component of a pneumatic system that converts air pressure into mechanical motion?
Pneumatic cylinder.
What does the term ‘compressibility’ refer to in fluids?
The ability of a fluid to change volume under pressure.
Fill in the blank: A _____ is a device that uses fluid pressure to amplify force.
Hydraulic jack.
What is the purpose of a flow control valve?
To regulate the speed of the actuator by controlling the flow rate.
What is the effect of increasing the diameter of a hydraulic cylinder?
It increases the force output of the cylinder.
True or False: The Bernoulli equation can be used to analyze both hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
True.
What type of seal is typically used in hydraulic cylinders?
O-rings or lip seals.
What is the role of a hydraulic pump?
To convert mechanical energy into hydraulic energy by moving fluid.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is critical for maintaining the pressure in a hydraulic system.
Pump.
What is the primary purpose of a vacuum switch?
To monitor and control vacuum levels in a system.
What does ‘dynamic pressure’ refer to?
The pressure associated with the movement of a fluid.
Fill in the blank: The _____ principle states that an increase in the speed of a fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure.
Bernoulli’s.
What is a common material used for pneumatic tubing?
Polyurethane or nylon.
True or False: Hydraulic systems are typically more complex than pneumatic systems.
True.
What is the primary function of a pneumatic filter?
To remove moisture and contaminants from compressed air.
What is the general formula for calculating hydraulic force?
Force = Pressure x Area.
Fill in the blank: In fluid power systems, _____ is the force acting on a surface per unit area.
Pressure.
What type of valve controls the speed of a hydraulic actuator?
Flow control valve.
What is the main purpose of a hydraulic filter?
To remove contaminants from the hydraulic fluid.
True or False: The vacuum level can be measured in absolute or gauge pressure.
True.
What does the term ‘fluid dynamics’ refer to?
The study of the behavior of fluids in motion.
Fill in the blank: The _____ of a fluid is a measure of its resistance to flow.
Viscosity.
What is the purpose of a pressure switch?
To monitor and control the pressure in a fluid power system.
What is a common application for hydraulic systems in construction?
Excavation and earthmoving equipment.
Fill in the blank: In pneumatic systems, _____ is often used to create a vacuum.
Compressed air.
What does the term ‘static pressure’ refer to?
The pressure exerted by a fluid at rest.
True or False: Pneumatic systems can be more energy-efficient than hydraulic systems in certain applications.
True.
What is the main component of a hydraulic system that provides energy?
Hydraulic pump.
Fill in the blank: The _____ of a hydraulic system determines how much work can be done.
Energy capacity.
What is the significance of the orifice in fluid power systems?
It controls the flow rate by restricting fluid passage.
What type of pump is commonly used in hydraulic systems?
Gear pump, vane pump, or piston pump.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is a measure of how much a fluid can be compressed.
Bulk modulus.
