MECHENG236 Hydraulics/Pneumatics Flashcards
What are fluid power systems?
Use a working fluid to transmit power and motion, no solid linkage
How is power transmitted in a fluid power system?
Conservation of mass, pascal’s law
Hydraulic inputs (Power sources)
Pumps, accumulators
Hydraulic outputs
Actuators: Linear, rotary
Hydraulic middle (control)
Valves: Rate, pressure, direction
Fluid power system advantages
Advantages
* Fluid easy to transport
* Components mechanically
simple
* Distribute pressure source
from actuator
* Low explosion risk*
* Variable Speed
* Pneumatics – air is
everywhere
Fluid power system disadvantages
Disadvantages
* Contamination
* Risk of leaks
* Gases are compressible
* Restricted forces
* Can be loud
Hydraulic advantages
Little energy
absorption by fluid
* Higher forces
Hydraulic disadvantages
- Oil may be
flammable - Heavy
components due to
pressure
Pneumatic advantages
- Fewer shock loads
- Lighter weight
- Air easily available
- Reliable
Pneumatic disadvantages
- Lower loads
- Energy stored in
fluid may be rapidly
released if leak
Are hydraulic and/or pneumatics compressible
Gas working fluid is compressible
Working fluid of hydraulics/pneumatics
Hydraulics: Liquid (water, oils)
Pneumatics: Gas (air)
Role of pumps
Add pressure to the flow, convert work to pressure
2 types of pumps
Positive displacement (PDP)
Dynamic
PDP pumps
Forced volume change
Pulsating, irregular flow
Very high pressures
Dynamic pumps
Momentum added
Smooth, fast flows
Lower pressures
Three types of positive displacement pumps
Gear
Vane
Piston
Gear pumps teeth relationship
- Fewer, bigger teeth = stronger,
but more
pulsating
Gear pumps adv/disadv
Advantages
* Low complexity, cost
* Compact
* Can handle high-viscosity fluids
Disadvantages
* Pressure and flow rate cannot be changed independently
* Abrasives wear teeth
* Sealing and losses
Vane pump adv/disadv
Advantages
* High pressures for low-viscosity fluids
* Good intake suction
Disadvantages
* Complex
* Pressure and flow rate cannot
be changed independently
* Not suitable for high viscosity
fluids
Types of piston pumps
Single Piston
Multi-piston
Swash Plate
Swash Plate adv/disadv
Advantages
* Large pressure range
* Pressure and flow rate can be independently controlled
* Wide viscosity range
Disadvantages
* Complex
* Tight tolerances
* Bulky
Accumulators
Store pressure, an energy reserve