Hydraulic mechanisms are among the oldest systems used in practical engineering. The principle of mechanized action itself is gradually losing its relevance, since it is being supplanted by more technological drive means. But due to the limited possibilities of integrating new and more expensive solutions, traditional mechanics retains its position in many areas. What is hydraulics in the modern context of operation? This is the infrastructure that is used in machines, structures and structures, providing sufficient effort to drive the functional units and assemblies.
Basic definition of hydraulics
From the point of view of science, hydraulics is a branch of knowledge that illuminates the laws of motion and equilibrium of fluids. The aquatic environment in one form or another is the main aspect of the study in this direction. In addition to theoretical research, scientists are engaged in experimental tests, the results of which form the basis for solving the problems of applied engineering. Scientific works are devoted to the laws of water movement through pipelines, in river channels and hydraulic machines. But for a complete understanding of what hydraulics is in a scientific context, one cannot do without related disciplines, the tools of which are touched upon during the study. These include physics, mathematics and mechanics. Two areas of hydraulics studies are also highlighted - in dynamic and static contexts. Hydrodynamics addresses the issues of water kinematics per se, and hydrostatics is more oriented to the laws of interaction of fluids 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. Engineering systems projects are based on the same applied knowledge - for example, the aqueduct is one of the oldest hydraulics products. Nowadays, the laws of energy of liquids form 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 motive power to drive the serviced units. A classic example is hydraulic machines. In general, one can deduce such a definition of engineering hydraulics - a set of elements of a mechanical structure, the device of which involves the use of liquid as an active natural environment. But this does not mean that water is a source of effort. It is only a translator of energy, which is given to it by other mechanisms, which, in turn, are activated by electric motors and power units using liquid or solid-state fuel.
Types of hydraulic configurations
The duty cycle of a hydraulic machine depends on the scheme by which water circulates. This circuit just determines the moment of water operation, during which it receives energy from the engine and transfers it to other components of the system. In this context, two types of circulating configurations can be distinguished - with open and closed centers.
In the first case, the hydraulic valve during the operation of the piston provides a double output. That is, the pressure indicators vary depending on the current position of the piston, and the fluid can be sent to the duty cycle or back to the valve. Its movement is regulated by a bunch of piston and valve.
To understand the principle of operation of a closed system, it is necessary to return to the definition of what hydraulics is and how it interacts with power units. Since hydraulics is only the infrastructure organized by the functional units serving the fluid, it is logical that the energy of the working environment can completely depend on the action of technical equipment. In this case, this task is performed by pumps and valves that completely close the circulation circuit.
Classification by type of drive
The systems provided by unregulated and adjustable driving mechanisms differ. An uncontrolled hydraulic drive is considered to be typical, in which the pressure indicator of the pump always corresponds to the set values. The recorded data must necessarily be higher than the limit level of the loading pressure. That is, the indicator bar is created, on which the pump is equal.
The disadvantages of this mechanism include large losses in power, as the constant maintenance of high pressure at low loads is irrational. According to this scheme, for example, sometimes the excavator hydraulics that control the supporting elements are performed. Since this function has a high responsibility in terms of safety, manufacturers sacrifice surplus power returns. However, in the same excavator, an unregulated drive of the supports can be supplemented by an adjustable system that will be optimally responsible for the work of the attachment. This type of hydraulic actuator provides for reducing the pressure of the pump and its balancing due to valves and compensators with directional action.
Hydraulic accumulators
The mechanisms used to extract energy from the liquid are also used in storage devices. Such systems are called hydro-capacitive and generate water energy, which is under pressure at the time of operation. In this case, the battery itself is most often an integral part of a mechanical hydraulic actuator.
There are different types of such devices - in particular, pneumatic and spring. In industry, high pressure storage hydraulics are also used, at the capacities of which simple, but demanding load handling manipulations are carried out. Regardless of the type, the accumulator must maintain pressure at a certain level, at the same time eliminating leaks and smoothing out vibrations due to the damping effect.
Hydraulic machines
The most common such mechanisms in machines with attachments - in the same excavators, tractors and sweepers. Designers of the Minsk Tractor Plant (MTZ) widely use hydraulics in their models .
The standard equipment used in these tractors includes pumps, control valves, cylinders and piping. The duty cycle provided by the MTZ hydraulics can be represented as follows: the liquid enters from the tank to the pumps, is transported to the distributors, enters the piston group and returns to the tank. At the stage of transition from hydraulic control valves to cylinders, the equipment operator is connected to the process control, which controls the flow of fluid into the piston groups through levers, depending on current tasks.
Hydraulic Service
Preventative maintenance usually comes down to lubricating the individual parts and components of the hydraulic system. During the inspection, the person in charge also reveals signs of wear, deformation and damage. Typically, hydraulics repair comes down to replacing piston liners, rods, and covers. Consumables in the form of o-rings are regularly updated.
Conclusion
Hydraulics is one of the simplest ways to obtain mechanical force with available means. To understand what hydraulics is, and what benefits it brings to the average user, we can give pumping equipment as an example. Garden water pumping stations operate on the principles of hydraulic engineering, spending a minimum of energy. At a higher level, compressor units and pneumatic tools operate according to similar schemes.