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How is force multiplied in a hydraulic system?

Multipliers

Hydraulic systems are mainly found on heavy equipment capable of carrying large loads. Hydraulic systems are mainly used in the construction, public works, industrial and agricultural sectors. While there are several different types of hydraulic system, they are all based on the same principle: a compressed fluid used to perform the desired tasks.

In this article, we'll look at how force is multiplied in a hydraulic system What calculation formula should be used? What data do we need to know to obtain the force in a hydraulic system? Here's where we stand.

What is hydraulics? What does it mean?

Before discovering how force is multiplied in a hydraulic system, let's recall what the term "hydraulic" clearly means. On a machine, hydraulics enable force to be transmitted from one point to another via a fluid that is said to be incompressible. As well as being incompressible, the fluid used has the advantage of applying pressure in any direction.

From a compositional point of view, a hydraulic system contains several specific elements:

- The power unit, which circulates the fluid inside the hydraulic system;

- A distribution zone that controls the direction of the fluid;

- The control, which manages the system's flow and pressure;

- The actuators: the hydraulic energy transmitted by the fluid is transformed into mechanical energy. The actuators make this transformation possible.

Most of the time, the incompressible fluid found in hydraulic systems is a liquid such as oil. Unlike the compressible fluids used in pneumatic systems, incompressible fluids are propelled through the system by the pump. Using this system, the incompressible fluids can also be correctly directed, as required.

On the benefits side, the size/power ratio is more attractive for hydraulic systems than for electrical systems. And unlike pneumatic systems, it's easier to detect leaks in hydraulic systems.

But what about force? In hydraulic systems, force is based on the difference in pressure between two elements. It is this difference that creates movement and actuates part of the device. In short: mechanical work can be achieved through the use of pressurised fluids.

How force is multiplied in a hydraulic system: the formula and calculation method

For hydraulics, a simple formula is used to obtain the force. This corresponds to the traction or thrust acting on a component. Most of the time, the unit of force is the newton, noted n. To calculate the force, multiply the pressure by the cross-sectional area.

Pressure refers to the force of a fluid per unit cross-sectional area, while cross-sectional area is a measure of the surface area of a space. In terms of units, pressure is expressed in kilopascals (kPa) or square inches (psi), while cross-sectional area is expressed in square centimetres (cm²) or square inches. For your information, pressure is calculated by dividing the force by the cross-sectional area, and the cross-sectional area is obtained by dividing the force by the pressure.

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