Hydraulics

When we talk about hydraulics then a question arise in our mind that how could it works, and the answer is by using a pressurized liquid.

Hydraulic technology provides a more environmental friendly way to power everything from automobiles to heavy machinery through the use of liquid. The basic idea behind any hydraulic system is very simple: Force that is applied at one point is transmitted to another point using an incompressible fluid. 

Hydraulic systems are based on Pascal's Law,that pressure at any one point in a confined liquid is
the same in every direction and applies equal force on equal areas. So when we apply less force on smaller area then the liquid applies a greater force on larger area That's why hydraulic system is very popular in engineering field.

Pascal's law and Hydraulics

 

A hydraulic system contains a master cylinder connected with the lever and with delivery tank. The delivery tank stores the hydraulic liquid. The master cylinder is connected with secondary cylinders with hydraulic lines or pipes, These secondary cylinders are those points where the output is needed. So when we push the lever the piston pushes the incompressible hydraulic liquid and due to smaller area of pipes and in-compressibility the pressure of liquid increases and it reaches to the secondary cylinders and pushes them to get desired output. A drain line is also provided in every cylinder to drain the used liquid back to the delivery tank. The delivery tank or reservoir collects the used or fresh liquid and sends it to the master cylinder after passing through a filter and the whole process repeats itself.

 

An example of braking system powered by hydraulics

Some places where hydraulics are frequently used are:

•  Steering wheel,

• Brakes, 

•  Lifts,

•  Cranes, 

• Aircraft, etc

Some hydraulic fluids are:

•   Arnica, 

•  Tellus, 

• Durad, 

• Fyrquel, 

• Houghto-Safe, 

• Hydraunycoil, 

• Lubritherm Enviro-Safe,

•  Pydraul,

•  Quintolubric,

•  Reofos, 

• Reolube,

• Valvoline Ultramax,

• Skydrol. etc

Advantages:

• It uses incompressible liquid which results in a greater, more efficient & consistent work or power output. And minimal energy loss is experienced and work applied is directly transferred to the actuating surfaces.

• Hydraulic fluid operates very well in a very hot working environment, it is able to sustain its airworthiness viscosity, density & fluid temperature even if it subjected under extreme heat.

•  Hydraulic systems can perform on very heavy loads.

• They have a very high accuracy.

Disadvantages:

• Leakage is its major disadvantage.

• Maintenance  is very difficult.

• Hydraulic fluid is highly corrosive to most of the aircraft materials.

• If disposed improperly, a hydraulic fluid is an environmental risk.

• Mishandling and constant exposure to hydraulic fluid and its gas fumes without proper equipment and precautions is a health risk.