audio_fluid_systems.wma | |
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Fluid Systems
Liquids and gases respond differently to pressure. The study of pressure in a liquid is called hydraulics and the study of pressure in a gas is called pneumatics. A hydraulic system uses pressure applied on a liquid in a closed container to transmit a force in order to do some work or to control the motion of something. Because of Pascal's Law, a force advantage is possible to achieve.
See the image below to see how a balance can be achieved between two different weights and piston sizes. What would be the force advantage of this hydraulic system? Scroll to the bottom of this page to see the answer.
See the image below to see how a balance can be achieved between two different weights and piston sizes. What would be the force advantage of this hydraulic system? Scroll to the bottom of this page to see the answer.
The Jackhammer
Jackhammer image from http://www.andrewnez.com/noisy-neighbours-and-grouchy-old-guy/jackhammer
A pneumatic system uses a compressed gas to do some work by controlling the release of it. A compressor is required to compress a gas, which is usually air. Releasing a compressed gas makes a lot of noise. The jackhammer, for example, compresses air and then controls the release of it to do work. See the table below for a comparison of the two types of fluid systems.
Almost ready to tackle your performance task? Your task is to construct a device that uses the transfer of fluids to apply a force or to control motion. Check out the following examples (scroll down to view pictures) built by other 8th graders.
Answer to the question - "What would be the force advantage of this hydraulic system?" (from above)
The force advantage would be 10 as the piston and force (weight) on the right are exactly 10x what they are on the left.
Answer to the question - "What would be the force advantage of this hydraulic system?" (from above)
The force advantage would be 10 as the piston and force (weight) on the right are exactly 10x what they are on the left.