What is hydraulics? Definition and concept

Hydraulic mechanisms belong to the oldest systems used in practical engineering. In itself, the principle of mechanized action is gradually losing its relevance, as it is replaced by more technological drives. But due to the limited possibilities for integrating new and more expensive solutions, traditional mechanics retains its positions in many areas. What is hydraulics in the current context of operation? This infrastructure, which is used in machines, structures and structures, providing sufficient effort to activate the functional units and units.

Basic definition of hydraulics

From the scientific point of view, hydraulics is a branch of knowledge that illuminates the laws of motion and equilibrium of liquids. The water environment in one form or another is the main aspect of studying in this direction. In addition to theoretical research, scientists are also engaged in experimental tests, the results of which form the basis for solving the problems of applied engineering. Scientific works are devoted to the regularity of water movement through pipeline channels, river channels and hydraulic machines. But to fully understand what hydraulics is in a scientific context, one can not do without related disciplines, the tools of which are touched upon in the course of the research. These include physics, mathematics and mechanics. There are also two areas for studying hydraulics - in dynamic and static contexts. Hydrodynamics touches on the kinematics of water as such, and hydrostatics is more oriented toward the laws of interaction of liquids with other media and bodies.

Hydraulics in Engineering

Nevertheless, the popularity of hydraulics as a branch of science is not so wide in comparison with its derivatives in the practical sphere. On the same applied knowledge projects of engineering systems are based - for example, one of the oldest products of hydraulics is the aqueduct. Nowadays, the laws of energy of liquids lie at the basis of the development of sewer systems, piston equipment, water supply, etc.

In most cases, the operation of this type of hydraulics is organized as a propulsion force to drive the serviced units. A classic example are hydraulic machines. In general, it is possible to derive a definition of engineering hydraulics - a set of elements of a mechanical design, the device of which involves the use of liquid as an active natural environment. But this does not mean that water is the source of effort. It is only an energy translator, which is given to it by other mechanisms, which, in turn, are activated by electric motors and power units on liquid or solid fuel.

Types of hydraulic configurations

The operating cycle of the hydraulic machine depends on the circuit through which the water circulates. This circuit just determines the time of water operation, during which it acquires energy from the engine and transfers it to other components of the system. In this context, two types of circulation configurations can be distinguished: with open and closed centers.

In the first case, the hydraulic distributor of the liquid during the operation of the piston provides a double outlet. That is, the pressure values vary depending on the current position of the piston, and the liquid can be sent to the operating cycle or back to the valve. Its movement is regulated by a bunch of piston and valve.

To understand the principle of the closed system, it is necessary to return to determining what hydraulics is, and how it interacts with power units. Since hydraulics is only an infrastructure that is organized by functional nodes that serve the liquid, it is quite logical that the energy of the working environment can be completely dependent on the action of the technical equipment. In this case, this task is performed by pumps and valves that completely close the circulation circuit.

Classification by types of drives

There are different systems provided with unregulated and adjustable drive mechanisms. Typical is an uncontrolled hydraulic drive, in which the pressure indicator of the pump always corresponds to the set values. The recorded data must necessarily be higher than the maximum level of load pressure. That is, a plank of the indicator is created, to which the pump equals.

The disadvantages of this mechanism include large losses in power, since the constant maintenance of high pressure with low loads is irrational. According to this scheme, for example, hydraulics of an excavator operating control elements are sometimes performed. Since this function has a high responsibility from the point of view of safety, the producers sacrifice excess power output. However, in the same excavator, an uncontrolled drive of the supports can be supplemented with an adjustable system that will be optimized for the operation of the attachments. This type of hydraulic drive involves reducing the pressure of the pump and balancing it with valves and compensators with directional action.

Hydraulic accumulators

Mechanisms for extracting the energy of a liquid are also used in accumulating devices. Such systems are called hydro-capacitive and generate energy of water, which at the time of operation is under pressure. In this case, the battery itself is often an integral part of the mechanical hydraulic drive.

There are different types of such devices - in particular, pneumatic and spring. In the industry, the accumulating high pressure hydraulics is also used, at the capacities of which simple but demanding manipulations with loads are carried out. Regardless of the type, the hydraulic accumulator must maintain pressure at a certain level, while eliminating leakage and smoothing out vibrations due to the damping effect.

Machines on hydraulic systems

The most common such mechanisms in machines with attachments - in the same excavators, tractors and harvesting vehicles. Widely used hydraulics in their models are the designers of the Minsk Tractor Plant (MTZ).

The standard equipment, which is used in these tractors, includes pumps, a hydraulic distributor, cylinders and a pipeline. The working cycle provided by the MTZ hydraulics can be represented as follows: the liquid flows from the tank to the pumps, passes to the distributors, enters the piston group and returns to the tank. At the stage of transition from the control valves to the cylinders, the process operator is connected to the process regulation, which controls the flow of fluid into the piston groups by levers, depending on the current tasks.

Maintenance of hydraulic mechanisms

Preventive maintenance is usually reduced to lubrication operations of individual parts and components of the hydraulic system. During the inspection, the responsible person also reveals signs of wear, deformation and damage. Typically, the repair of hydraulics is reduced to replacing piston shells, rods and covers. In a regular order, the consumables in the form of O-rings are updated.

Conclusion

Hydraulics is one of the simplest ways to obtain mechanical force by available means. To understand what hydraulics is, and what benefit it brings to the ordinary user, you can cite as an example pumping equipment. Garden water pumping stations operate on the principles of hydraulic engineering, spending a minimum of energy. At a higher level, compressor plants and a pneumatic tool operate in a similar way.