Using Hydraulics

and Pneumatics everyday

Hydraulics uses compressed fluid to create a push or pull force.

Pneumatics uses compressed air to create a push or pull force.

The first piston pushes the fluid/air down forcing the fluid/airto push the second piston up.

From backyard log splitters to the huge machinesyou see on construction sites, hydraulic equipment is amazing in its strength and agility!

Hydraulics

On any construction site you see hydraulically-operated machinery in the form of bulldozers, shovels, loaders, fork lifts and cranes. Hydraulics operate the control surfaces on any large airplane. You see hydraulics at car service centers lifting the cars so that mechanics can work underneath them, and many elevators are hydraulically-operated using the same technique. Even the brakes in your car use hydraulics!

These bull-dozers are hydraulically operated.

Hydraulics are used to operate the brake systems in cars. When the driver pushes the brake it forces fluid forward which then moves other parts of the engine.

These tip-trailers are hydraulically operated.

Hydraulics is used to operate the tipping mechanism on these tip-trucks.

Hydraulics operate the surface areas on some airplanes.

Hydraulic truck cranes can lift thousands of pounds using the simple concept of transmitting forces from point to point through a fluid.

Many parts in large farm equipment and vehicles are hydraulically operated.

This car jack uses hydraulics to lift heavy weights.

This Saw-mill is operated by hydraulics.

Hydraulic root arm

In factories hydraulics power many different types of equipment.

An interesting fact about the Spinosaurus animatronic is that nearly all of the mechanical systems used in it are hydraulic.

Hydraulics operates many robots, like those used in creating movies!

In a single acting cylinder, the piston is forced out by the pressure of the air. When the air supply is removed and the air inside the cylinder is allowed to escape, the piston moves back, driven by the force of a spring. By restricting the escaping air (exhaust), it is possible to slow down the return movement of the piston.

How does pneumatics work?

Pneumatics uses air pressure to lift and move objects. There are pumps, hoses, cylinders, switches and various other components used to construct robots that are powered by pressure instead of electricity.

Tyre Changer

Examples of machinery and equipment operated by hydraulics.

Grinder

Chainsaw

Sander-polisher

A Church organ is also pneumatic!

Written task

Draw and label three examples of things used in everyday life operated by hydraulics.

Draw and label three examples of things in everyday life operated by pneumatics.