Hydraulics and Pneumatics

Pneumatics

Pneumatics – the study of pressure in gasses

A pneumatic system is a system in which a gas (like air) transmits a force exerted on the gas in enclosed space In most pneumatic systems the air is then

releasedEx. Super Soaker Gun, Staple Guns and

Nailers (with compressed air), pump up sports shoes, vacuum cleaner, hair dryer, drinking straw, natural gas pipeline, our respiratory system

Usually the air passes through a pneumatic device under pressure and then escapes outside the device1. Air is drawn in from outside and compressed2. Hoses carry the high-pressure air to the device3. The compressed air will expand when released; this

allows it to exert a great deal of force The amount of pressure is controlled by the size

of the opening Remember P = F

A Test with exhaled air into hand

Hydraulics

Hydraulic systems use the force of liquid in a confined space

They are usually closed systems Ex. Jaws of life, air plane systems, your circulatory system

Hydraulic systems rarely act alone; usually combined with gears, levers, pulleys and wheels and axles1. Machines contain tanks filled with hydraulic fluids and

pumps that generate pressure2. Energy is supplied by gasoline engine or electric motor3. Valves direct high pressure fluid through pipes to the

parts of the machine where the pressure of the fluid is needed to generate large forces or to digSee the examples in the textbook p.320