MT 227A Pneumatics and Hydraulics Fundamentals

Lecture Hours: 2
Lab Hours: 3
Credits: 3

Covers theory, operation and application of hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Includes diagnosis, service, maintenance repair of pneumatic components and systems.

Prerequisite: MTH 070 with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Discuss the principles of fluid systems and how they are used in control and logic systems.
Design, repair, test, assemble and troubleshoot fluid logic and control systems (and vacuum systems too!)

Content Outline

Introduction to Fluid Power
- Properties of Liquids
  - Shapelessness
  - Incompressibility
  - Pascal’s Law
  - Density and specific gravity
  - Bernoulli’s Equation
- Properties of Gases
  - Compressibility
  - Gage pressure and absolute pressure
  - Charles’ and Boyle’s Laws
  - Universal Gas Law
Pressure and Forces in Fluid Systems at Rest
- Fluid pressure
- Multiplication of forces
- Work in equals work out
- Manometers and pressure gauges
Fluids in Motion
- Description of flow
  - Volume and velocity flow
  - Steady and unsteady flow
  - Streamline and turbulent flow
- Flow of fluids in pipes
  - Fluid flow rate
  - Continuity equation
  - Friction
- Fluid flow energy relations
  - Conservation of energy
  - Interpretation of Bernoulli’s equation
  - Power required and delivered by pumps
  - Power delivered by fluid actuators
- Fluid Power Graphical Symbols
Pneumatic Components and Circuits
- Air compressor
  - Cylinder, valves
  - Air tank
  - Safety switch, reliefs
  - Air coolers
  - Filters, lubricators, regulators
- Valves
  - Directional control valves
  - Pilot operated valves
  - Solenoid operated valves
  - Flow control valves
- Air cylinders
Pneumatic Circuits
- Speed control circuits
  - Single acting cylinder
  - Double acting cylinder
  - Multiple speed control
- Force control circuits
  - Air-to-air booster
  - Multiple pressure selection
  - Differential pressure
- Sequencing with interlock
  - Sequence valve
  - Pressure switch sequencing
  - Air pilot
- Logic
  - Logic symbols
  - Logic devices