Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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ME 4701 - Fluid Power Circuits

3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to hydraulic fluid power systems.  Topics include the advantages and limitations of fluid power, the basic properties of hydraulic fluids, the major components of fluid power systems, schematic circuit representation, and steady-state system performance analysis.  Various types of loads are studied and related to the required hydraulic performance. Hydraulic pumps, motors, and actuators are described, and steady state sizing relationships are presented relating pressures and flow rates.  Pressure and flow control valves, as well as directional control valves are studied individually and as employed in specific hydraulic circuits.  Hydrostatic transmissions, accumulators, and pump controls strategies for energy conservation are also covered. (prereq: ME 206  or ME 2002)  
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Size hydraulic components based on steady state requirements
  • Read a hydraulic schematic to determine the function of the circuit
  • Design a hydraulic circuit based on input requirements and standard components
  • Select pump controls to minimize energy consumption

Prerequisites by Topic
  • Ability to use free body diagrams
  • Understanding of forces and motion

Course Topics
  • Fluid properties 
  • Unit conversions 
  • Hydraulic system schematics
  • Pumps & motors
  • Cylinders
  • Directional control valves 
  • Flow and pressure control valves
  • Flow losses
  • Valve controlled cylinders and motors
  • Cavitation
  • Hydrostatic transmissions
  • Auxiliary components
  • Fixed vs. variable displacement pumps
  • Load sensing
  • Pressure and flow compensation
  • Power consumption and efficiency
  • Flow forces
  • Basic linkage analysis
  • Accumulator application and sizing

Coordinator
Dr. Daniel Williams



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