1. Introduction to Fluid Power
Chapter 1
Introduction to Fluid Power
The Fluid Power Field

2. Define the terms fluid power, hydraulic system, and pneumatic system.
Objectives
Define the terms fluid power, hydraulic system,
and pneumatic system.
Explain the extent of fluid power use in current
society and provide several specific examples.
List the advantages and disadvantages of fluid
power systems.
Discuss scientific discoveries and applications
important to the historical development of the
fluid power industry.

3. Definition of Fluid Power
A fluid power system consists of a prime
mover drives a pump to pressurize a fluid,
which is transmitted through lines to an
actuator that performs the useful work.

4. Definition of Fluid Power
Fluid power systems are generally grouped
under two broad classifications:
– Hydraulics
– Pneumatics
Hydraulic systems generally use oil as the
system fluid, while pneumatic systems use
air.

5. Comparisons of hydraulic and pneumatic
Fluid Power Systems
Comparisons of hydraulic and pneumatic
systems may be done by analyzing: –
Operating pressure
Accuracy of actuator movement
Actuator speed
Component weight
System cost

6. Hydraulic systems are accurate, operate at
Fluid Power Systems
Hydraulic systems are accurate, operate at
high pressures, are slow, and have strong
components.
(Brand X)

7. Compared to hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems:
Fluid Power Systems
Compared to hydraulic systems, pneumatic
systems:
– Are less accurate
– Are faster
– Have components that are lighter in weight

8. Advantages of both hydraulic and pneumatic
Fluid Power Systems
Advantages of both hydraulic and pneumatic
systems include easy control of: –
Force
Torque
Speed
Direction of actuators

9. earliest applications of fluid power. Some industries still
History of Fluid Power
The natural
movement of air and
water was used in the
earliest applications
of fluid power.
Some industries still
use this natural
movement.
Glowimages

10. Wind and watermills were used as prime
History of Fluid Power
Wind and watermills were used as prime
movers to provide power until well into the
Industrial Revolution, which occurred in the
eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

11. Fluid power systems are used extensively throughout business and
Fluid Power Today
Fluid power
systems are used
extensively
throughout
business and
industry today.
Glowimages

12. Few products are not influenced in some way by fluid power systems.
Fluid Power Today
Few products are not influenced in some
way by fluid power systems.

13. Fluid power in various forms is widely used in everyday life.
Fluid Power Today
Fluid power in various forms is widely
used in everyday life.
PhotoDisc

14. Glossary Actuator – A component used to convert the energy in
hydraulic fluid or compressed air into mechanical
linear or rotary motion

15. Glossary
Fluid power
– The transferring, controlling, and converting of
energy using hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Hydraulics
– The study and technical application of liquids in
motion, especially oils and other blended liquids
used in industrial systems.
© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 27
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