Fluid Power Circuits

Fluid Power
Circuits
System Design and Analysis
V3
V1 V2
C1 C2
D1 D2
Z1 Z2
V4
V5
LS
Torben Ole Andersen Michael Rygaard Hansen

Institute of Energy Technology Institute of Mechanical Engineering
June 2007
3rd Edition
Preface
Hydraulics, as we consider it in this note, is the science of transmitting force and/or

motion through the medium of a confined liquid. This is in one way, a rather narrow
scope, because in its broadest sense, hydraulics encompasses any study of fluids in
motion. It has its foundations from many thousands of years ago in ancients water
works and irrigation systems. The name “hydraulics” comes from the Greek “hydros”,
which means “water”.
Fluid power or oil hydraulics is an essential area of knowledge for anyone who has a
technical interest in moving machinery. In for example farm tractors and implements,
industrial trucks, earth-moving equipment, cars, we find applications of brute force with
very precise control through hydraulic systems. Your girl friend can park your big two-
ton automobile with only a slight effort at the steering wheel...the touch of a handle lifts
a huge amount of load in the bucket of a loader, because the hidden giant hydraulics is
there.
The purpose of this note is to put the tools of fluid power theory and practice into to the
hands of the reader. The note has been prepared as an aid to basic training in hydraulic
system design. In very simple language and with minimum use of mathematics, you are
told the why’s and how’s of hydraulics. The note explains the fundamental principles of
pressure and flow, describe the operation of the basic hydraulic components, tells how
these components are combined to do their many jobs, and explores the fundamental
considerations of hydraulic equipment design and use.
The note is organised in four major sections, Fundamentals (Chapter 1), Hydraulic
Components (Chapter 2 and Chapter 3), Actuator Control (Chapter 4), and System
Design (Chapter 5). The fundamentals are just what the name implies, the basics of
hydraulics. Note that this section also includes calculating pressure losses. The section
on Hydraulic Components will give an understanding of the most important components
in the system. The sections on actuator control describe approaches to speed and power
of hydraulic actuators. The last section outlines a basic approach for arriving at a
hydraulic system capable of performing a specific task.
Aalborg, June 2007
TORBEN OLE ANDERSEN

MICHAEL RYGAARD HANSEN
Contents
CHAPTER 1 HYDRAULIC PRINCIPLES
1.1 Hydrodynamics vs. Hydrostatics
1.2 Pressure and Flow
1.3 Hydraulic System Components
1.4 Hydraulic Losses
1.5 Summary
CHAPTER 2 CHARACTERICS OF PUMPS AND MOTORS

2.1 Introduction to Hydrostatic Pumps and Motors
2.2 Hydrostatic Pumps
2.3 Hydrostatic Motors
2.4 Hydraulic Cylinders
CHAPTER 3 CHARACTERICS OF VALVE OPERATION

3.1 Introduction
3.2 Flow Force Equation
3.3 Directional Control Valves
3.4 Pressure Control Valves
3.5 Flow control Valves
CHAPTER 4 ACTUATOR CONTROL

4.1 Introduction
4.2 Pump Speed Control
4.3 Valve Speed Control
CHAPTER 5 SYNTHESIS OF HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS

5.1 Introduction
5.2 An Approach
5.3 Dynamic Design Considerations
CHAPTER 6 ANALYSIS OF HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS

6.1 Introduction
6.2 Steady State Modeling and Simulation
6.3 Dynamic Modeling and Simulation
6.4 Numerical solution
APPENDIX A HYDRAULIC FLUIDS

A.1 Introduction
A.2 Fluid Density
A.3 Viscosity
A.4 Dissolvability
A.5 Stiffness
OVERVIEW PAGES
PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

1
Hydraulic Principles
1.1 Hydrodynamics vs. Hydrostatics................................……….. 1
1.2 Pressure and Flow................................………………….…… 2

Fundamental Pressure provides the push • Flow makes it go
Hydraulics
1.3 Hydraulic System Components……………………………… 10
1.4 Hydraulic Losses...................................................…………… 14

Flow in lines • Losses in fittings • The Orifice equation • Leakage flow
1.5 Summary.................................... ……………………………. 21
1.1 Hydrodynamics vs. Hydrostatics
Today, there are many thousands of pressure-operated machines and they are so distinct
from earlier devices we must divide hydraulics into two sciences – hydrodynamics and
hydrostatics. Hydrodynamics can be called the science of moving liquids under
pressure. A water wheel or turbine (Figure 1.1) represents a hydrodynamic device.
Energy is transmitted by the impact of a moving fluid against vanes. We are using the
kinetic energy that the liquid contains.
NOZZLE
LIQUID
TURBINE
Figure 1.1 Transmission of energy using kinetic energy
In a hydrostatic device, power is transmitted by pushing on a confined liquid (Figure

1.2). The liquid must move or flow to cause motion, but the movement is incidental to
the force output. A transfer of energy takes place because a quantity of liquid is subject
to pressure.
Hydraulic Principles Page 1 of 21

WEIGHT
CONFINED
LIQUID IS
SUBJECT TO
PRESSURE
PUSH
Figure 1.2 Force excerted by use of pressure
Most of the hydraulic machines in use today operate hydrostatically – that is through
pressure. This note is limited to the pressure hydraulics branch, and will be using both
the terms “hydraulic” and “fluid power” as is customary in the industry.
1.2 Pressure and Flow
In studying the basic principles of hydraulics, we will be concerned with forces, energy
transfer, work and power. We will relate these to two fundamental conditions or
phenomena that we encounter in a hydraulic system. They are pressure and flow.
Pressure and flow, of course, must be inter-related in considering work, energy and
power. On the other hand each has its own particular job to do.
• Pressure is responsible for pushing or exerting a force or torque
• Flow is responsible for making something move; for causing motion
Because these jobs are often confused, try to keep them distinct as wee consider
separately...and then together...the phenomena of pressure and flow.
1.2.1 Pressure provides the push
What is pressure?
To the engineer, pressure is a term used to define how much force is exerted against a
specific area. The technical definition of pressure, in fact, is force per unit area.
We might say simply that pressure is a tendency to expand (or a resistance to

compression) that is present in a fluid being squeezed. A fluid, by definition, is any
liquid or gas. Because the term “fluid” is so widely used, then when referring to “the
fluid”, we mean the hydraulic liquid being used to transmit force and motion. (to satisfy
the lubrication needs and other requirements in the system, they are usually specially
refined and compounded petroleum oils).

Pressure in a confined liquid
If you have tried to force a stopper into a bottle that was completely full of water, you
have experienced the near-incompressibility of a liquid. Each time you tried to push the
stopper in, it sprang back immediately when you let it go.
When a confined liquid is pushed on, there is a pressure build-up. The pressure is
transmitted equally throughout the container. This behaviour of a fluid is what makes it
possible to transmit a push through pipes, around corners, up and down, and so on. In
hydraulic systems, we use a liquid, because its near-in-incompressibility makes the
action instantaneous, so long as the system is full of liquid.
Absolute and gauge pressure

It is fundamental that pressure can be created by pushing on a confined fluid only if
there is a resistance to flow. There are two ways to push on a fluid; either by the action
of some sort of mechanical pump or by the weight of the fluid itself.
The earth has an atmosphere of air extending some 80 km up. The weight of the air
creates a pressure on the earth’s surface. This pressure is called atmospheric pressure
and any pressure condition less than atmospheric pressure is referred to as vacuum. If
we measure this pressure we get
patm = 1 atmosphere = 760 mmHg = 101325 Pa (N/m2) (1.1)
Absolute pressure is a scale with its zero point at the complete absence of pressure, or a
perfect vacuum. Gauge pressure ignores atmospheric pressure and is always measured
relative to atmospheric pressure.
p absolute = p atmospheric + p gauge (1.2)
In hydraulic system analysis we are merely concerned with pressure differences

throughout a system, so ignoring atmospheric pressure has little effect on our analyses.
Though be careful to keep track of the sign of the gauge pressure; it can be negative
(vacuum), while absolute pressures are always positive.
Pressure can easily be created in a liquid with a pump, as shown in Figure 1.3. If we
trap the liquid under a piston which has an area of 4.9 cm2, and place a weight on the
piston so that it pushes down with 490.5 N ( = 50 kg ⋅ 9.81 m/s2), we get a pressure of
490.5 N
−4
= 10 ⋅ 10 5 Pa = 10 bar (1.3)
4.9 ⋅ 10 m 2
PUMP
2
WEIGHT AREA = 4.9 cm
2
50 kg AREA = 4.9 cm
PRESSURE = 10 bar PRESSURE = 10 bar
Figure 1.3 Creating pressure with a force

Now we have examined the phenomenon of pressure and how it is measured, we can go
to see how it behaves in a hydraulic circuit
Pascal’s law
Pascal’s Law tells us that:
Pressure in a confined fluid is transmitted undiminished in every direction, and

acts with equal force on equal areas, and at right angles to the container walls
Pascal might have used the hydraulic lever to prove his law. He found that a small
weight on a small piston will balance a larger weight on a larger piston...provided that
the piston areas are in proportion to the weights.
Thus in Figure 1.4, a 20 kg weight on a 5 cm2 area piston balances a 1000 kg weight on
a 250 cm2 piston. (ignoring the weights of the pistons themselves)
20 kg 1000 kg
WEIGHT WEIGHT
AREA
50 AREA
Figure 1.4 Leverage gained hydraulically
If the small piston is the pressure source, the pressure would be the weight divided by
the piston area.
20 kg ⋅ 9.81 m / s 2
Pressure = = 392400 Pa ≅ 3.92 bar (1.4)
5 ⋅ 10 − 4 m 2
The resulting force on the large piston is equal to this pressure multiplied by the piston
area. Thus;
Force = 392400 Pa ⋅ 250 ⋅ 10 −4 m 2 = 9810 N (1.5)
meaning that the weight on the big piston is 1000 kg. We have multiplied force 50 times
in this example; in other words obtained leverage of 50 to 1.
Pressure and force relationship

The example of hydraulic force has given the important relationship form Pascal’s law;
pressure is equal to force divided by area
p = F/A or F = p⋅A (1.6)

When using this relationship always use the SI units. If any other units are given,
convert them to these units before solving the problem.
F (force) --- Newton (N); p (pressure) --- Pascal (Pa); A (area) --- square meters (m2)
Let’s have a look at illustrations of this pressure/force/area relationship.
Back-pressure ~ series connection

If two hydraulic cylinders are connected to operate in series (Figure 1.5) the pressure
required to move the second cylinder is effective against the first cylinder as a back-
pressure. If each cylinder requires 50 bar to raise its load, the 50 bar of the second
cylinder adds to the load of the first cylinder.
The piston areas as shown are equal, so the first cylinder would have to operate at 100
bar; 50 bar to lift its load and 50 bar to overcome back-pressure.
WEIGHT WEIGHT
BACK
PRESSURE
FROM
PUMP
100 bar 50 bar
Figure 1.5 Series operation of two cylinders
Series operation is not common, but here it is used to illustrate that pressures add up in
series. Anything that creates a back pressure on the device that moves the load, adds to
the load, and increases the pressure requirement of the system.
Pressure in parallel connection

When several loads are connected in parallel (Figure 1.6) the oil takes the path of least
resistance. Since the cylinder to the left requires the least pressure, it will move first.
Furthermore, pressure won’t build up beyond the needs of the left cylinder until it has
reached its travel limit.
Then pressure will rise just high enough to move the cylinder in the middle. Finally
when the cylinder in the middle is at its limit, pressure will rise to move the last
cylinder.

WEIGHT
WEIGHT
WEIGHT
Figure 1.6 Pressure in parallel connection
1.2.2 Flow makes it go
What is flow?
Flow is much easier to visualise than pressure. In our kitchen sink, for instance, we have
atmospheric pressure. The city water works has built up a pressure in our pipes. When
we open the tap, the pressure difference forces the water out. Thus, movement of the
water is caused by a difference in pressure at two points.
In a hydraulic system, flow is usually produced by the action of a hydraulic pump; a
device used to continuously push on the hydraulic fluid.
Velocity and flow rate

Velocity of a fluid is the average speed of its particles past a given point. It is usually
measured in meter-per-second (m/s). Velocity is an important consideration in sizing
the hydraulic lines that carry the fluid between components. A low velocity is desireable
to reduce friction and turbulence in the hydraulic fluid.
Flow rate is the measure of how much volume of the liquid passes a point in a given
time. It is usually measured in litre-per-minute (l/min). Flow rate is important in that it
determines the speed at which the load moves, and therefore is important to the
consideration of power.
VELOCITY ~ V 1
VELOCITY ~ V
2
AREA ~ A 2
AREA ~ A 1
Figure 1.7 Flow through a conduit
Suppose we are pumping a constant flow rate through the conduit shown in Figure 1.7.
If A1 and A2 are cross-sectional areas, it is obvious that a constant flow rate Q (l/min)
will result in a lower velocity, when the diameter increases or a higher velocity when

the diameter decreases. In fact, the velocity of oil in a hydraulic line is inversely
proportional to the cross-sectional area (or to the diameter squared). Thus
flow rate Q (m3/s) = area A (m2) × velocity V (m/s) = constant (1.7)
Flow rate and speed

We can easily relate flow rate Q (l/min) to the speed at which the load moves, if we
consider the cylinder volume we must fill and the distance the cylinder piston travels
(Figure 1.8). The volume of the cylinder is simply the length of the stroke multiplied by
the piston area. Suppose the left cylinder in Figure 1.8 is 20 cm long and holds on litre
of oil. The right cylinder also holds one litre, but is only 10 cm long. If we pump one
litre per minute into each, both pistons will move their full travel in one minute.
However the left cylinder must move twice as fast because it has twice as far to go in
the same amount of time.
So we see that a small diameter cylinder moves faster with an equal flow rate into it.
Though, we have two ways of increasing the speed at which the load moves; decrease
the size of the cylinder or increase the flow rate Q (l/min) to the cylinder. Conversely,
we slow the load down by reducing the flow or increasing the size (diameter) of the
cylinder.
10 cm
20 cm
1 l/min 1 l/min
1 litre LOAD LOAD

1 litre
Figure 1.8 Illustrating flow rate and speed
The speed of the cylinder, then must be proportional to flow and inversely proportional
to the piston area (or the diameter squared).
Flow and pressure drop

A basic rule of hydraulics is that where ever there is flow, there must be a pressure
difference or pressure drop. Conversely, where there is a difference in pressure, there
must be either flow or at least a difference in the level of the liquid.
The pressure difference when a liquid is flowing is used to overcome friction and to lift
the fluid where necessary. When a liquid is flowing, the pressure is always highest
upstream and lowest downstream. That is why we refer to the difference as “drop”.
Flow through an orifice

Pressure drop occurs to a greater degree when the flow is restricted. An orifice (Figure
1.8) is a restriction often placed in a line deliberately to create a pressure difference.
There is always a pressure drop across an orifice as long as there is flow. However, if
we block the flow beyond the orifice, Pascal’s Law takes over and pressure equalises on
both sides.
Pressure drop also takes place when passing fluid through a valve or line. The small the
valve passage or line the greater the pressure drop. In effect, the restrictive area acts as

an orifice. Accounting for the pressure drops around a circuit is a key factor in circuit
analysis. Anytime a pressure drop occurs and no mechanical work is delivered, fluid
energy is converted to heat energy. Efficiency is increased when these pressure drops
are minimised.
ORIFICE FLOW
CONTINUOUS
TURBULENT
PRESSURE DROP
FLOW LAMINAR
BLOCKED
PRESSURE EQUAL
Figure 1.8 Flow through an orifice Figure 1.9 Laminar/turbulent flow
Laminar and turbulent flow

A streamlined or laminar flow (Figure 1.9) is desirable to keep friction minimised.
Abrupt changes in section, sharp turns and too high velocity all induce turbulent flow.
Then instead of moving in smooth, parallel paths, the fluid particles develop cross
currents. The result is a significant increase in friction and pressure drop.
Work and energy

Earlier, we developed the concepts of force and pressure, primarily as measures of
effort. Work on the other hand, is a measure of accomplishment. It requires motion to
make a force do work. Therefore, to do work in a hydraulic system, we must have flow.
Work is perhaps best defined as exerting a force over a definite distance. Thus if we
raise 100 kg 10 metre we do 100 ⋅ 9.81⋅ 10 = 9810 Newton-meter of work. Work is a
measure of force multiplied by distance and we usually express it in Newton-meter.
Work (Nm) = Force (N) × Distance (m) (1.8)
Energy is the capacity to do work, and is expressed in the same units as work. We are
familiar with several forms of energy. The load of 100 kg just mentioned, when it is
raised, has potential energy. It is capable of doing work when it is lowered. A body in
motion has kinetic energy, capable of doing work. Coal contains heat energy; a battery
electrical energy; a steam boiler, pressure energy.
Energy transfer in the hydraulic lever

The basic concept of fluid power is simple; mechanical energy is converted to fluid
energy, which is then converted back to mechanical energy.
Let’s have another look now at Pascal’s hydraulic lever and see how energy is
transferred there.
In Figure 1.10, we have just slightly upset the balance to that the small piston is forced
down and pushes the large piston up.

20 kg 1000 kg
WEIGHT WEIGHT
AREA
1 mm
50 mm
50 AREA
Figure 1.10 Energy transfer in a hydraulic lever
For simplicity’s sake we ignore the effects of friction. At the small piston, we have
moved 20 kg downward for 50 mm. In doing so, we gave up 20 ⋅ 9.81 ⋅ 0.05 = 9.81 Nm
of potential energy. We changed the potential energy to pressure energy. The
displacement flow moved the big weight up 1 mm. Thus, the 1000 kg weight received
an increase of 9.81 Nm of potential energy. At each piston, then, we did 9.81 Nm of
work. Thus, energy was transferred without loss from the 20 kg weight to the 1000 kg
weight.
Bernouilli’s principle
Bernouilli’s principle tells us that the sums of pressure, potential and kinetic energy at
various points in a system must be constant, if flow is constant. The potential energy
term is normally negligible in hydraulic systems.
When a fluid flows through areas of different diameters (figure 1.11), there must be
corresponding changes in velocity.
100 bar 100 bar

A D E F
80 bar
B
C
Figure 1.11 Bernoulli’s principle Figure 1.12 Effect of velocity and friction
At the left, the section is large so velocity is low, and pressure high. In the middle
velocity must be increased because the area is smaller. Again at the right, the area
increases to the original size and velocity again decreases. Bernouilli’s principle states
the pressure in the middle section must be less than elsewhere because velocity is
greater. An increase in velocity means an increase in kinetic energy. Since energy
cannot be created, kinetic energy can only increase if the static pressure decreases. In
the outer sections kinetic energy is converted back to pressure. If there is no frictional
loss, the pressure in the outer sections will be equal. In Figure 1.12 is shown the
combined effects of friction and velocity changes. Pressure drops from maximum at C
to atmospheric pressure at B. At D velocity is increased, so the pressure decreases. At E,
the pressure increases while most of the kinetic energy is given up to pressure energy.

Again at F, pressure drops as velocity increases. The difference in pressure at D and F is
due to friction.
Power
Power is the rate of doing work or the rate of energy transfer. To visualize power, think
about climbing a flight of stairs. If you walk up, it’s relatively easy. But if you run up,
you liable to get to the top out of breath. You did the same amount of work either
way...but when you ran up, you did it at a faster rate, which required more power.
The standard unit of power is Watt...named after James Watt that related the ability of
his steam engine to the pulling power of a horse. By experiments with weights, pulleys
and horses, Watt decided that a horse could comfortably do 736 Nm/s (1 Nm/s = 1 W),
hour after hour. This value has since been designated as one horsepower (hp).
Power, though, is force multiplied by distance divided by time:
F (Force) × D (Distance)
P (Power) = (1.9)
T (Time)
The horsepower used in a hydraulic system can be computed if we know the flow rate
and the pressure. In Figure 1.13 we have a flow rate Q into the piston chamber giving
the piston a velocity V. Due to the outer force F a pressure p builds up in the piston
chamber as well. While force is equal to pressure multiplied area and flow is equal to
velocity multiplied area, we can write the equation that relate/convert the mechanical
power to hydraulic power.
Phyd = Pmech = F ⋅ V = (p ⋅ A) ⋅ (Q / A) = p ⋅ Q (1.10)
• Pressure is required to obtain a force from a cylinder

• Flow is required to generate linear motion with a cylinder
A V
Q
p
Figure 1.13 Hydraulic/mechanical power
We can see from the relationship in Equation (1.10) that an increase in either pressure
or flow will increase the power. Also, if pressure or flow decreases, power decreases.
1.3 Hydraulic System Components
In the following chapters, you will be studying the components that go into hydraulic
circuits, and how they are put together to do their jobs. From the beginning of Chapter 2
and in the end of this chapter we will talk about components and their interrelationships,
so we will give them some basic attention now.

We have already mentioned that a pump is required to push the fluid. We have implied,
too, that a cylinder is the output of the system. Besides a pump and cylinder, we also
require valves to control the fluid flow; a reservoir to store the fluid and supply it to the
pump; connecting lines; and various hydraulic accessories.
We will look at two very basic and simple systems now, and see how the basic
components are classified.
The hydraulic jack

In Figure 1.14 is shown the basic circuit for a hydraulic jack. The difference from the
hydraulic lever in Figure 1.4 is that we have added a reservoir and a system of valves to
permit stoking the small cylinder or pump continuously and raising the large piston or
actuator a notch with each stroke. In the top view, we see the intake stroke. The outlet
check valve is closed by pressure under the load and the inlet check valve opens to
allow liquid from the reservoir to fill the pumping chamber.
ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE
LOAD
PUMP
ACTUATOR
RESERVOIR
INLET CHECK
VALVE
OUTLET CHECK VALVE
LOAD
NEEDLE
VALVE
Figure 1.14 Basic circuit of a hydraulic jack
In the bottom view, the pump is stoked downward. The inlet check valve is closed by
pressure and the outlet valve opens. Another “slug” of liquid is pumped under the large
piston to raise it.

To lower the load, we open a third valve, a needle valve, which opens the area under the
large piston to the reservoir. The load then pushes the piston down and forces the liquid
into the reservoir.
Motor-reversing system
In Figure 1.15, we have an entirely different kind of system. Here, a power-driven pump
operates a reversible rotary motor. A reversing valve directs fluid to either side of the
motor and back to the reservoir. A relief valve protects the system against excess
pressure, and can bypass pump output to the reservoir if pressure rises to high.
MOTOR
(ROTARY ACTUATOR)
RELIEF
VALVE
PUMP
(DIRECTIONAL)
VALVE
RETURN LINE
REVERSING
SUCTION
LINE
PRESSURE LINE
Figure 1.15 Motor-reversing system
Pump classifications
The pump in Figure 1.14 is called a reciprocating pump. Most pumps are or the rotary
type as in Figure 1.15, and are driven by engines or electric motors. Rotary pumps can
be constant displacement; meaning they deliver the same amount of fluid every stroke,
revolution or cycle. Flow rate varies in proportion to drive speed - or they can be
variable displacement pumps, which can have their delivery rates changed by external
controls while drive speed remains constant.
Actuator classifications
The actuator is the system’s output component. It converts pressure energy to
mechanical energy. A cylinder is a linear actuator. Its outputs are force and straight line
motion. A motor is a rotary actuator. Its outputs are torque and rotating motion.

The large piston actuator in Figure 1.14 is a single-action cylinder. This means it is
operated hydraulically in one direction only and returned by other means...in this case
by gravity. A double-acting cylinder operates hydraulically in both directions.
The motor in Figure 1.15 is a reversible motor. Other motors are uni-directional or non-
reversible. They can only rotate in one direction.
Valve classifications
In Chapter 2 we will study three classes of valves. They are:
1. Directional control valves

2. Pressure control valves, and
3. Flow or volume control valves
- Directional control valves tell the oil where to go by opening and closing passages.
The check valves in Figure 1.14 are directional valves. They are called one-way valves,
because they permit only one flow path. The reversing valve in Figure 1.15 is a four-
way directional valve, because it has four flow paths.
- A pressure control valve is used to limit pressure or to control or regulate pressure in

the system. The relief valve in Figure 1.15 is a pressure control valve. It limits the
pressure that can build up in the circuit. Other types of pressure controls are brake
valves, sequence valves, pressure reducing valves and counterbalance valves.
- Flow control valves regulate flow to control the speed of an actuator. The needle
valve in Figure 1.14 has a flow control function. It restricts flow so that the load can’t
come down too fast.
Classification of lines
The lines which connect the components of our systems are classified according to their
functions. The principal kinds of lines are:
⎧Pr essure lines

⎪ ⎧Drain lines
Working lines : ⎨Suction lines Non − working lines : ⎨
⎪ Re turn lines ⎩ Pilot lines
⎩
- Working lines are lines which carry the mainstream of fluid in the system; that is, the
fluid involved in the energy transfer. Starting at the reservoir, we have a suction line
which carries the fluid to the pump inlet (Figure 1.15). From the pump to the actuator, is
the pressure line, which carries the same fluid under pressure to do the work. After the
pressure energy in the fluid is given up at the actuator, the exhaust fluid is re-routed to
the reservoir through the exhaust or return line.
- Non-working lines are auxiliary lines which do not carry the main stream of flow. A
drain line is used to carry leakage oil or exhaust pilot fluid back to the reservoir. A pilot
line carries fluid that is used to control the operation of a component.

Circuit diagrams
We have used some very simple schematic diagrams in this chapter to illustrate
hydraulics principles and the operation of components. However, outside of
instructional materials we almost exclusively use a standard type of shorthand (i.e.
symbols to DIN ISO 1219). Symbols for hydraulic systems are for functional
interpretation. Symbols are neither dimensioned nor specified for any particular
position. We will return to these diagrams in more detail in Chapter 2 and 3.
In Figure 1.16 is shown the graphical diagram for the reversible motor circuit.
DIRECTIONAL
RELIEF VALVE
VALVE
PUMP
REVERSIBLE
MOTOR
RESERVOIR
Figure 1.16 Hydraulic circuit after DIN ISO 1219
1.4 Hydraulic Losses
Kinds of energy in hydraulic system

The purpose of a hydraulic system is to transfer mechanical energy from one place to
another through the medium of pressure energy. The prime source of the energy may be
heat in a motor fuel or electrical energy in a battery or from power lines.
Mechanical energy driving the hydraulic pump is converted to pressure energy and
kinetic energy in the fluid. This is reconverted to mechanical energy to move a load.
Friction along the way causes some losses in the form of heat energy. In this section we
will look at different losses that appear in hydraulic circuits.
1.4.1 Flow in lines (losses in hoses and pipes)
When a fluid flows through a line, the layer fluid particles next to the wall have zero
velocity. The velocity profile a distance away from the wall develops because of
viscosity. The more viscous the fluid, the greater the change in velocity with the
distance from the wall.
Viscosity
The most important of the physical properties of hydraulic fluids is the viscosity. It is a
measure of the resistance of the fluid towards laminar (shearing) motion, and is
normally specified to lie within a certain interval for hydraulic components in order to
obtain the expected performance and lifetime. The definition of viscosities is related to

the shearing stress that appear between adjacent layers, when forced to move relative
(laminarly) to each other. For a Newtonian fluid this shearing stress is defined as:
dx
τ xy = μ (1.11)
dy
where
τxy is the shearing stress in the fluid, [N/m2]
μ is the dynamic viscosity, [Ns/m2]
x is the velocity of the fluid, [m/s]
y is a coordinate perpendicular to the fluid velocity, [m]
In Figure 1.17 the variables associated with the definition of the dynamic viscosity are
shown.
x = x(y) τxy
dy
τ xy dx
fluid
x
Figure 1.17 Deformation of a fluid element
The usual units for the dynamic viscosity are P for Poise or cP for centipoise. Their
relations to the SI-units are as follows: 1 P = 100 cP = 0.1 Ns / m 2 .
For practical purposes, however, the dynamic viscosity is seldom used, as compared to
the kinematic viscosity that is defined as follows:
μ
ν= (1.12)
ρ
where
ν is the kinematic viscosity, [m2/s]
μ is the dynamic viscosity, [Ns/m2]
ρ is the density, [kg/m3]
The usual unit used for ν is centistoke, cSt, and it relates to the SI units as follows:
m2 mm2
1 cSt = 10 −6 =1 .
s s
A low viscosity corresponds to a "thin" fluid and a high viscosity corresponds to a
"thick" fluid.
Reynolds number
A key issue in fluid power circuits are forces due to fluid inertia and forces due to
viscosity. In general, flow dominated by viscosity forces is said to be laminar, and
inertia dominated flow is said to be turbulent. In Figure 1.18 is shown the velocity
profile of the two kinds of flow. Laminar flow is characterised by an orderly, smooth,

parallel line motion of the fluid. Inertia dominated flow (turbulent) is characterised by
irregular, eddylike paths of the fluid.
LAMINAR FLOW TURBULENT FLOW
Figure 1.18 Laminar and turbulent flow profile
In fluid power is it only inertia and viscous forces that matters. Experience has shown
that it is either the inertia forces or the viscous forces that dominate, giving two types of
flow regimes. Osborn Reynolds performed a series of experiments in 1833 to define the
transition between laminar and turbulent flow. He defined a useful quantity which
describes the relative significance of these two forces in a given flow situation. The
dimensionless ratio of inertia forces to viscous force is called Reynolds number and
defined by
ρ u dh
Re = (1.13)
μ
where ρ is fluid mass density, μ is absolute viscosity, u is the average velocity of

flow, and d h is a characteristic length of the flow path. In our case d h is taken to be the
hydraulic diameter which is defined as:
4 × flow area
dh = (1.14)
flow perimeter
For a hydraulic hose or pipe it is convenient in many cases to use the following formula
for Reynolds number
Vline ⋅ D line
Re = (1.15)
ν
where Vline is the fluid velocity in the line and Dline is the inner diameter of the line.
Reynolds discovered the following rules with his tests:
1. If Re < 2000, flow is laminar

2. If Re > 4000, flow is turbulent
We normally use Re = 2300 as transition number for hydraulic hoses and pipes.
Darcy’s equation
Friction is the main cause of loss of fluid energy as the fluid flows through a line.
Because of friction, some fluid energy is converted to heat energy and exchanged into
the surrounding atmosphere.

Loss along a line can be calculated as a pressure loss Δp , directly using Darcy’s
equation.
L V2
Δp = λ ⋅ ⋅ ρ ⋅ line (1.16)
D line 2
where L is the length of the line. λ is a dimensionless friction factor to be determined.
Laminar flow
For laminar flow, the friction factor can be given as
λ = 64 / Re (1.17)
Substitution of Equation 1.17 into Darcy’s equation gives the Hagen-Poiseuille equation
128 ⋅ μ ⋅ L ⋅ Q
Δp = (1.18)
π ⋅ D line
4
where Q is the flow rate through the line.
Turbulent flow
When the flow is turbulent, the friction factor is a function of Reynolds number and the
relative roughness of the line, but for smooth lines and Reynolds numbers less than
100.000 the equation given by Blasius can be used to calculate the friction factor.
1
λ = 0.1364 ⋅ (1.19)
Re 0.25
1.4.2 Losses in Fittings
Test have shown that pressure losses in fittings are proportional to the square of the
velocity of the fluid
ρ 2
Δp = ξ ⋅ ⋅ Vline (1.20)
2
where ξ is a friction factor that must be determined by tests. Some common factors are
Fitting Friction factor ξ

Standard tee 1.3
45° elbow 0.5
Return bend (U-turn) 1.5
1.4.3 The orifice equation (losses in valves)
The flow restrictions or orifices are a basic means for the control of fluid power. An
orifice is a sudden restriction of short length in a flow passage and may have a fixed or
variable area.

Equation 1.21 is Bernoulli’s equation with negligible gravity forces.
p u2
+ = constant (1.21)
ρ 2
As an important case where Equation 1.21 is used consider flow through an orifice
(Figure 1.19).
A0
A2
1 2 3
Figure 1.19 Flow through an orifice; turbulent flow
Since most orifice flow occurs at high Reynolds numbers, this region is of great
importance. Experience has justified the use of Bernoulli’s equation in the region
between point 1 and 2. The point along the jet where the area becomes a minimum is
called the vena contracta. The ratio between the area at vena contracta A 2 and the
orifice area A 0 defines the so called contraction coefficient C c .
Cc = A 2 / A0 (1.22)
After the fluid has passed the vena contracta there is turbulence and mixing of the jet
with the fluid in the downstream region. The kinetic energy is converted into heat. Since
the internal energy is not recovered the pressures p 2 and p 3 are approximately equal.
Now it is possible to use Bernoulli’s equation 1.21 to calculate the relation between the
upstream velocity u 1 to the velocity u 0 in vena contracta. Therefore
2
u 22 − u 12 = ( p1 − p 2 ) (1.23)
ρ
Applying the continuity equation for incompressible flow yields
A1u 1 = A 2 u 2 = A 3 u 3 (1.24)
Combining Equation 1.23 and 1.24 and solving for u 2 gives
−1 / 2
⎡ ⎛ A ⎞2 ⎤ 2
u 2 = ⎢1 − ⎜⎜ 2 ⎟⎟ ⎥ ⋅ (p1 − p 2 )
⎢⎣ ⎝ A 1 ⎠ ⎥⎦ ρ (1.25)

In the real world there will always be some viscous friction (and deviation from ideal
potential flow), and therefore an empirical factor C v is introduced to account for this
discrepancy. C v is typically around 0.98. Since Q = A 2 u 2 the flow rate at vena
contracta becomes,
CvA2 2
Q= ( p1 − p 2 ) (1.26)
1 − (A 2 / A1 ) 2 ρ
Defining the discharge coefficient C d in Equation 1.26 it is possible to express the

orifice flow by the orifice area.
C vCc
Cd = (1.27)
1 − C c2 (A 0 / A 1 ) 2
Now, combining Equation 1.22, 1.26, and 1.27 the orifice equation (in Danish
blændeformlen) can be written
2
Q = Cd A 0 ( p1 − p 2 ) (1.28)
ρ
Normally A 0 is much smaller than A 1 and since C v ≈ 1 , the discharge coefficient is

approximately equal to the contraction coefficient. Different theoretical and
experimental investigations has shown that a discharge coefficient of C d ≈ 0.6 is often
assumed for all spool orifices.
At low temperatures, low orifice pressure drop, and/or small orifice openings, the
Reynolds number may become sufficiently low to permit laminar flow. Although the
analysis leading to Equation 1.28 is not valid at low Reynolds numbers, it is often used
anyway by letting the discharge coefficient be a function of Reynolds number. For Re <
10 experimental results show that the discharge coefficient is directly proportional to
the square root of Reynolds number; that is C d = δ Re . A typical plot of such a result
is shown in Figure 1.20.
0.8
0.6
Cd
0.4
0.2
0
0 10 20 30 40 50
Re
Figure 1.20 Plot of a discharge coefficient versus Reynolds number for an orifice

So the orifice equation states that the flow through an orifice is proportional to the
square root of the pressure drop across the orifice
Solving for the pressure drop Δp , we obtain the orifice equation with the flow rate Q as
the independent variable; a form more useful for our analysis of fluid power circuits.
ρ 1
Δp = k eq ⋅ Q 2 ; k eq = ⋅ (1.29)
2 Cd ⋅ A 0
This relationship shows there is a quadratic relation between Δp and Q. Most valves
form some type of orifice in their internal geometry, and thus have a pressure vs. flow
characteristic following Equation 1.29. Knowing the flow through the valve, the
designer can estimate the pressure drop. The technical data sheets supplied by almost all
valve manufactures have a pressure vs. flow curve, from which it is possible to
determine keq.
1.4.4 Leakage flow
Many hydraulic components have precision made parts with very fine clearances
between internal moving elements, but still, due to high pressure, they make leakage
pathways.
Dryden (1956) presents the following expression for leakage flow as a function of
pressure drop across a rectangular leakage pathway.
w ⋅ h3
Q= ⋅ Δp (1.30)
12 ⋅ μ ⋅ L
where w is the width of the rectangular opening and h the height of the rectangular
opening (Figure 1.21)
w L
Figure 1.21 Geometry of leakage flow idealized as a thin rectangle

1.5 Summary
Now that we have studied basic principles and have an idea of how hydraulics work,
lets close this chapter with some important characteristics of hydraulic systems and a
short summary.
Key characteristics/advantages of fluid power are:
1. High power density (high power output per unit mass of system)
2. Operation may commence from rest under full load
3. Smooth adjustment of speed, torque, force are easily achieved
4. Simple protection against overloading (relief valve opens to protect system)
A key disadvantage is the inefficiency
In a hydraulic system mechanical energy is converted to hydraulic energy (pressure and

flow), which then is converted back to mechanical energy.
1. Pressure is required to obtain torque from a motor or force from a cylinder

2. Flow is required to generate rotary motion with a motor or linear motion with a
cylinder
Accounting for the pressure drop in a hydraulic system is a very important factor in
circuit analysis and design. Pressure drops occurring without delivering mechanical
work, means that hydraulic energy is converted to heat.
Pressure drops occurring in different types of valves, is in most hydraulic circuit the
major source of losses, and dominates over the losses in the lines and fittings.
----- oo 0 oo -----

2
Characteristics of
Pumps and Motors
2.1 Introduction to Hydrostatic Pumps and Motors........................ 1

Pump classifications • Motor classifications
2.2 Hydrostatic Pumps...............................………………….…… 6

Basic equations • Efficiencies
Fundamental
Hydraulics 2.3 Hydrostatic Motors....................……………………………… 12
2.4 Hydraulic Cylinders..............................................…………… 16

2.1 Introduction to Hydrostatic Pumps and Motors
In this chapter we discuss types of positive displacement machines with particular

emphasis on steady-state performance parameters and characteristics. A basic
understanding of the components facilitates understanding of any type of hydraulic
circuit. The basic components used in hydraulic circuits include pumps, cylinders, fluid
motors and hydraulic drives, valves and reservoirs. Chapter 3 treats valves and Chapter
4 combine valves and pumps to form basic hydraulic power elements. Chapter 5 is
devoted to synthesis of hydraulic systems.
Definitions
Hydraulic pumps and motors are used to convert mechanical energy into hydraulic
energy and vice versa. It is transmission of power by fluid using positive displacement
pumps and motors. A positive displacement pump is one in which each revolution of the
pump shaft is associated with a fixed quantity of fluid delivered and similary a positive
displacement motor is one in which each revolution of the motor shaft is associated with
a fixed quantity of fluid accepted.
In non-positive pumps and motors, such as turbine and centrifugal pumps the flow is
continuous from inlet to outlet and results from energy being directly imparted from the
fluid stream. These machines are basically low pressure with high volume output.
Another way to classify positive and non-positive displacement machines is whether the
inlet is sealed from the outlet.
Characteristics of Pumps and Motors Page 1 of 19

• If the inlet and outlet are connected hydraulically so that the fluid can
recirculate in the pump/motor when pressure builds up, the pump/motor
is non-positive displacement
• It the inlet is sealed from the outlet, the pump will deliver fluid anytime
the inlet is kept supplied and the pump is driven. Such a pump is
classified as positive delivery or positive displacement, and requires a
relief valve to protect it from pressure overloads.
While non-positive pumps and motors are quite ineffective and not suited for control
purposes only positive displacement pumps are used in hydraulic systems.
2.1.1 Pump classifications
The pump is driven by a prime mover which is usually an electric motor or a petrol or
diesel engine. The energy input from the prime mover to the pump is converted into
high-pressure energy in the fluid which is transmitted through pipes and in turn is
converted into rotational energy by a motor or translational energy by a cylinder.
Hydraulic pumps are classified by their design – gear, vane and piston. In all cases a
moving element in a fixed container desplaces fluid from an inlet to an outlet port. The
pressure at the inlet port is due to the head of fluid from the reservoir and at the outlet
port by the resistance imposed by the work load on the hydraulic motor/cylinder. Plus
the resistance due to friction in pipes, valves, etc.
Gear-type pumps
These employ the principle of a pair of meshing gears, contained in a housing fitted
with inlet and outlet ports as shown in Figure 2.1
Swept volume
Idler between
teeth
Returned volume
of fluid
Inlet Outlet
Driver
Figure 2.1 Design of a gear pump
One gear is driven by the prime mover and as it rotates and drives the idler gear the
fluid is displaced between the gears and the inner surface of the housing. The fluid is
thus carried around from the inlet port to the outlet port, the main seal between the two
being provided by the meshing gears. Some fluid is trapped between the gear teeth and
the design of the pump allows for this fluid to be transferred back to the inlet port.

There must obviously be clearance between the stationary casing and the tips of the
moving gear. As pressure builds up on the outlet side of the pump the pressure
difference across the gears results in leakage of fluid. This leakage is commonly called
“slip” and is a factor present to at greater or lesser extent in all positive displacement
pumps. The volumetric efficiency is reduced as the leakage increases and the
mechanical (or mechanical-hydraulic) efficiency is reduced because of the power
wasted in producing the slip. The performance (efficiency, losses, etc.) of pumps and
motors is dealt with in detail in Section 2.2 and 2.3.
In a gear pump slip occurs not only across the gear teeth but also between the gears and
the side faces. To reduce this as far as possible these side plates are hydraulically loaded
to maintain close contact onto the sides of the gears.
Vane-type pumps
The construction of a simple vane pump is shown in Figure 2.2. Here the moving
member consists of a rotor in which close fitting vanes are carried radially in slots and
their tips bear against the stationary housing. The vanes are free to move in and out of
the slots. As the rotor turns, the vanes are thrust against the casing to form an effective
seal. Side plates are used to keep the oil confined to an area the width of the rotor and
vanes. The rotor centre is eccentric to the stator centre so that as it rotates the space
between the two increases on the inlet side, thus providing suction for the fluid, and
decrease on the outlet side to “squeeze” the fluid out through the outlet port.
Suction Discharge
Rotor Vanes
Eccentric
casing
Figure 2.2 A simple vane pump
Vane pumps can discharge a variable volume by changing the degree of eccentricity
between the rotor and casing. If the rotor is dead centre with the casing, there is no
pumping action. At maximum eccentricity, the greatest volume of fluid will be pumped.
The degree of eccentricity is adjusted by the use of suitable controls outside the casing
(see Figure 2.3).
Variable volume vane pumps have a movable ring that surrounds the rotor. When flow
is not required, the ring will be nearly centred around the rotor. When full pump flow is
required, a suitable control system will cause the ring to its full flow position (maximum
eccentricity).
The slip in a vane pump is in general less than that in a conventional gear pump and a
higher volumetric and mechanical efficiency is maintained because the vane wear is
compensated for by the outward movement of the vanes.

Line of stroke Line of stroke
In Out
Vane
Ring Rotor
Figure 2.3 A variable volume vane pump
Piston-type pump
In the positive displacement piston pump the “casing” is a cylinder block and the
moving members are pistons sliding in the cylinder bores. There are no seals on the
pistons which are close-fitting in the bores. The pumping action is obtained by
reciprocating the pistons relative to their bores and feeding the fluid to and from the
cylinders by inlet and discharge valves.
Piston-type pumps are commonly used for applications that require high pressures and
accurate control of the discharge volume. There are many different designs, but
generally all designs are based on the radial piston-type or the axial piston-type.
Axial piston pumps present the widest variety in construction. The axial piston pump
shown in Figure 2.4, contain a cylinder block assembly with pistons that are equally
spaced around the cylinder block axis.
Rotating cylinder barrel Piston shoes Stationary cam plate

and drive shaft slide on plate at fixed angle
Fluid
lines
Stationary Drain line

valving plate Housing
Figure 2.4 Swash plate type axial piston pump

The cylinder bores are parallel to the axis. The pistons reciprocate parallel to the shaft
centre line. All of the parts except the stationary valve plate rotate as a single unit. The
stationary valve plate mates with the surface of the cylinder barrel to prevent leakage of
fluid. The pistons are connected to the cam plate (or swash plate) with connecting rods
that use ball and socket joints. As the cylinder barrel block rotates in contact with the
stationary valve plate, the cylinders are alternately ported to inlet and outlet channels.
The angle between the cylinder block and the swash plate causes the pistons to
reciprocate. Pumps with fixed angles are constant delivery pumps, while pumps with
adjustable angles are variable delivery pumps (see Figure 2.5).
Rotating cylinder barrel
and drive shaft Piston shoes
slide on plate
Stationary Swash plate

valving plate
Figure 2.5 Variable volume axial piston pump
Adjusting the angle increases or decreases the piston stroke to increase or decrease the
volume output.
An important feature is the ability to reverse the direction of the fluid. This can be done
by tilting the swash plate in the opposite direction.
2.1.2 Motor classifications
In hydraulic power transmissions technology as a whole the term “hydraulic motor”

means a device which accept fluid from a source such as a pump and produces linear
and rotary motion. The former is obtained from a cylinder and ram assembly and the
latter from a rotary hydraulic motor. Although many pumping and control units are
common to systems employing both types of motor the term generally implies the use
of a rotary motor. Therefore in the following text the term “hydraulic motor” means a
fluid-operated unit capable of continuous rotation.
As with positive displacement pumps, the motors follow the three basic types of
construction – gear, vane and piston. Apart from minor differences the motors are the
same as their equivalent design of pumps. Indeed some manufactures provide the same
unit which can be used either as a pump or as a motor.
The principle of operation is simply that whereas a pump is driven by a prime mover to
draw fluid in at its inlet port and pump it out from its outlet port, the hydraulic motor is
feed from the inlet to the outlet port causing its shaft to rotate.
Thus, in a gear motor, hydraulic fluid enters the inlet and is trapped between the casing
and the gear teeth, which causes the gear to rotate and thereby the output shaft
connected to the gear. As the teeth mesh at the outlet, the fluid is discharged.
In a vane motor the fluid impinges on the vanes to turn the rotor.
In a piston motor the fluid acts on the pistons and reciprocates them to rotate the output
shaft.

2.2 Hydrostatic Pumps
The purpose of this chapter is to give an overview of the governing equations for
hydraulic pumps and actuators as components in a hydraulic system. Hence, the chapter
does not go into much detail about the different types of pumps and actuators and when
to choose one or the other. This will be dealt with in Chapter 4.
2.2.1 Basic equations
The main parameter for a hydraulic pump is the stroke displacement, D, defined as the
displacement pr. revolution of the pump. It relates to the pump flow as follows:
Q tP = D ⋅ n (2.1)
where
QtP theoretical pump flow, [volume/time]
D stroke displacement, [volume/revolution]
n rotational speed of the pump, [revolutions/time]
The rotational speed relates to angular velocity as follows:
ω
n= (2.2)
2⋅π
where
n rotational speed, [revolutions/time]
ω angular velocity, [radians/time]
Defining the unit displacement, Dω, as the displacement pr. radian leads to:
D = 2 ⋅ π ⋅ Dω (2.3)
Q tP = D ω ⋅ ω (2.4)
where
Dω unit displacement, [volume/radian]
Some pumps have adjustable displacements. In that case the displacements may be
determined from:
D = α ⋅ D max D ω = α ⋅ D ω,max (2.5)

where
α displacement control parameter, 0.0 ≤ α ≤ 1.0
Dmax maximum stroke displacement, [volume/revolution]

The power supplied to the fluid by the pump may be determined based on the general
expression for hydrokinetic power:
P = Q⋅p (2.6)
where
P power, [power]
Q flow, [volume/time]
p pressure, [pressure]
Accordingly, the theoretical power put into the hydraulic system, e.g. the fluid, by the
pump may be determined as:
Pt ,P→F = Q tP ⋅ (p P − p S ) = Q tP ⋅ Δp P (2.7)
where
Pt,P→F theoretical power supplied by the pump to the fluid, [power]
pP pressure at the pressure side of the pump, [pressure]
pS pressure at the suction side of the pump, [pressure]
ΔpP pressure rise across the pump, [pressure]
The pressure and flow variables of Equation (2.7) are shown in Figure 2.6.
pP QtP
Δp P M
pS
Figure 2.6 Diagram illustration of motor driven pump. The pressure and flow variables
associated with the pump are shown.
The theoretical mechanical power delivered to the pump from some power source is
given as:
Pt ,PS→P = M tP ⋅ ω (2.8)
where
Pt,PS→P theoretical power supplied to the pump by the power supply,
[power]
MtP theoretical input torque to the pump from the power supply,
[torque]
Without any losses, the power delivered to the pump by the power supply equals the
power supplied by the pump to the fluid, i.e., combining Equation (2.7) and (2.8) gives:

Q tP ⋅ Δp P = M tP ⋅ ω (2.9)
Inserting Equation (2.4) and (2.3) into Equation (2.9) leads to:
Q tP ⋅ Δp P D ⋅ Δp P
M tP = = D ω ⋅ Δp P = (2.10)
ω 2⋅π
2.2.2 Efficiencies
The expressions developed for the pump flow and pump torque in the previous section
correspond to an ideal pump without power losses of any kind. In reality the pump will
produce less flow than the theoretical value and the pump will require more torque
than the theoretical value. Hence, only a part of the power supplied to the pump will end
up as hydrokinetic power, whereas the power loss will heat up the pump and its
surroundings including the hydraulic fluid.
The fact that the pump delivers less flow than theoretically expected is expressed by
means of a volumetric efficiency:
QP
η vP = (2.11)
Q tP
where
ηvP volumetric efficiency of the pump
QP (actual) flow of the pump, [volume/time]
QtP theoretical flow of the pump, [volume/time]
The volumetric loss is mainly due to leakage in the form of laminar clearance flow from
the high pressure chambers to the low pressure chambers within the pump. This leakage
flow is mainly laminar (although some models also include turbulent leakage) and
therefore proportional to the pressure rise and inverse proportional to the viscosity:
Δp P
Q lP = K lP (2.12)
μ
where
QlP leakage flow within the pump, [volume/time]
KlP leakage constant for the pump, [volume]
μ dynamic viscosity, [pressureּtime]
The volumetric constant tends to vary with the displacement for the same type of pump
(larger pumps will have larger dimensions including the leakage clearances).
Combining Equations (2.1), (2.11) and (2.12) gives:
Q tP − Q lP Q K ⋅ Δp P
η vP = = 1.0 − lP = 1.0 − lP (2.13)
Q tP Q tP μ⋅D⋅n
It is seen that the volumetric efficiency will depend on pressure rise, rotational speed
and the viscosity (mainly temperature), i.e., change with the working conditions. The

variation of the volumetric efficiency may be viewed graphically for 2 different
situations, see Figure 2.7. The curves are based on Equation (2.13).
ηvP ηvP
1.0 1.0
n = const . μ = const . Δp P = const . μ = const .
Δp P n
Figure 2.7 The volumetric efficiency for a hydraulic pump as function of the pressure rise
across the pump and the rotational speed of the pump, respectively.
As may be seen the volumetric efficiency decreases linearly with increasing pressure
rise when rotational speed and viscosity is held constant. When varying the rotational
speed for fixed viscosity and pressure rise it is seen that the volumetric efficiency goes
to zero and below. At zero volumetric efficiency the pump is just capable of producing
enough theoretical flow to make up for its own internal leakage and the pump is on the
border line of acting as a hydraulic motor driven by the leakage flow.
It should be noted that in case of insufficient suction pressure, the volumetric efficiency
will decrease with increasing pump speed because there is not enough time for the
suction chambers to be properly filled with fluid.
The fact that the pump requires more input torque than theoretically expected is
expressed by means of a hydro-mechanical efficiency:
M tP
η hmP = (2.14)
MP
where
ηhmP hydro-mechanical efficiency
MtP theoretical input torque to the pump, [torque]
MP (actual) input torque to the pump, [torque]
In general, 4 different types of hydro-mechanical losses may be experienced:
1. Mechanical friction due to mechanical contact between parts of the pump moving
relative to each other. This loss is proportional to the pressure rise.
2. Viscous (laminar) friction due to shearing of fluid films between parts of the pump
moving relative to each other. This loss is proportional to the speed of the moving
parts and the viscosity.
3. Hydrokinetic (turbulent) friction due to turbulent pump flow around restrictions,
bends, etc. within the pump. This loss is proportional to the square of the flow.
4. Static friction due mainly to sealings. This loss is constant.

The different hydro-mechanical losses may be expressed as either pressure drops, or
more conveniently, as extra input torques to the pump:
M mP = K mP ⋅ Δp P (2.15)
M vP = K vP ⋅ μ ⋅ n (2.16)
M hP = K hP ⋅ n 2 (2.17)
M sP = cst. (2.18)
where
MmP input torque required to overcome mechanical friction, [torque]
MνP input torque required to overcome viscous friction, [torque]
MhP input torque required to overcome turbulent friction, [torque]
MsP input torque required to overcome static friction, [torque]
KmP, KνP, KhP pump dependant constants
n rotational speed, [revolutions/time]
Inserting Equations (2.15), (2.16), (2.17) and (2.18) into Equation (2.14) gives:
M tP
η hmP = (2.19)
M tP + M mP + M νP + M hP + M sP
Introducing Equation (2.10) in the above and rearranging leads to an expression that
shows the dependency of the hydro-mechanical efficiency on pressure, speed and
viscosity.
1.0
η hmP =
C0 +
1
Δp P
(
C1 + C 2 ⋅ μ ⋅ n + C 3 ⋅ n 2 ) (2.20)
where
C0...3 pump dependent constants
In Figure 2.8 the variation of the hydro-mechanical efficiency for constant pump speed
and constant pressure rise, respectively, may be viewed graphically. The curves are
based on Equation (2.20).
As seen in Figure 2.8 the hydro-mechanical efficiency goes to zero as the pressure rise
goes to zero for fixed pump speed. This corresponds to the pump meeting no resistance
(no demand to pressurize the fluid), but still demanding some input torque from the
power supply in order to overcome the viscous, turbulent and constant friction losses.
The (total) efficiency of a pump is defined as follows:

PP→F
ηP = (2.21)
PPS→P
where
ηP efficiency of the pump.
PP→F (actual) power delivered by the pump to the fluid, [power]
PPS→P (actual) power delivered by the power supply to the pump,
[power]
ηhmP ηhmP
1.0 1.0
n = const . μ = const . Δp P = const . μ = const .
Δp P n
Figure 2.8 The hydro-mechanical efficiency for a hydraulic pump as function of the
pressure rise across the pump and the rotational speed of the pump, respectively
The power delivered by the pump to the fluid is found by combining Equation (2.7) and
(2.11)
PP→F = Q P ⋅ Δp P = η vP ⋅ Q tP ⋅ Δp P = η vP ⋅ ω ⋅ D ω ⋅ Δp P (2.22)
Similarly, the power delivered by the power supply to the pump is found by combining
Equation (2.8) and (2.14)
M tP ⋅ ω D ω ⋅ Δp P ⋅ ω
PPS→P = M P ⋅ ω = = (2.23)
η hmP ηhmP
Inserting Equation (2.22) and (2.23) into Equation (2.21) yields the following
expression for the pump efficiency
η P = η vP ⋅ η hmP (2.24)
where
ηP total efficiency of the pump
ηvP volumetric efficiency of the pump
ηhmP hydro-mechanical efficiency of the pump
The dependency of the total efficiency on the pressure rise across the pump, the speed
of revolution and the viscosity is complex, especially as the volumetric efficiency is
best at low pressure and high speed, whereas the hydro-mechanical efficiency is
best at high pressure and low speed.

2.3 Hydrostatic Motors
The main purpose of the hydraulic motor is to transform hydraulic power into
mechanical power by means of a rotating output shaft. Hydraulic motors are exclusively
made as positive displacement motors, where the driven volumes are separated in
pressurized and relieved (depressurised) chambers. By means of a flow to the motor,
typically provided by some hydraulic pump, these chambers will vary in such a way that
the output shaft of the motor is rotated. Depending on the load on the shaft from the
driven mechanical system the hydraulic motor will demand a certain pressure drop, i.e.,
a certain pressure level at its intake, in order to move. The hydraulic motor may be
thought of as an inverted hydraulic pump.
As for the hydraulic pump, the main parameter for a hydraulic motor is the stroke
displacement, Dr, defined as the displacement pr. revolution of the motor shaft. It relates
to the motor flow demand as follows:
Q tM = D ⋅ n = D ω ⋅ ω (2.25)
where
QtM theoretical motor flow demand, [volume/time]
n rotational speed of the motor, [revolutions/time]
Dω unit displacement, [volume/radian]
ω angular velocity of the motor, [radians/time]
Notice that the flow through the motor is referred to as a flow demand, i.e., the flow
required in order for the motor to meet a certain shaft speed.
Some motors have adjustable displacements. In that case the displacements may be
determined from:
D = α ⋅ D max D ω = α ⋅ D ω,max (2.26)

where
α displacement control parameter, 0.0 << α ≤ 1.0
Dmax maximum stroke displacement, [volume/revolution]
The displacement control parameter must be kept well above zero, as the motor shaft
otherwise will rotate with infinite speed for any flow.
The theoretical power put into the motor from the hydraulic system, e.g. the fluid, may
be determined as:
Pt ,F→M = Q tM ⋅ (p M − p R ) = Q tM ⋅ Δp M (2.27)
where
Pt,F→M theoretical power supplied to the motor by the fluid, [power]
QtM theoretical motor flow demand, [volume/time]
pM pressure at the pressure side of the motor, [pressure]

pR pressure at the return (depressurized) side of the motor, [pressure]
ΔpM pressure drop across the motor, [pressure]
The pressure and flow variables of Equation (2.27) are shown in Figure 2.9.
pM QtM
ΔpM Load
pR
Figure 2.9 Diagram illustration of a hydraulic motor driving a load. The pressure and flow
variables associated with the motor are shown.
The theoretical mechanical power supplied by the motor to the load is given as
Pt ,M→L = M tM ⋅ ω (2.28)
where
Pt,M→L theoretical power supplied by the motor to the load, [power]
MtM theoretical output torque from the motor, [torque]
Without any losses, the power delivered to the motor by the fluid equals the power
supplied by the motor to the load, i.e., combining Equation (2.27) and (2.28) gives
Q tM ⋅ Δp M = M tM ⋅ ω (2.29)
Inserting Equation (2.25) into (2.29) leads to
Q tM ⋅ Δp M D ⋅ Δp M
M tM = = D ω Δp M = (2.30)
ω 2⋅π
2.3.2 Efficiencies
The expressions developed for the motor flow demand and motor torque in the previous
section correspond to an ideal motor without power losses of any kind. In reality the
motor will require more flow than the theoretical value and the motor will deliver less
torque than the theoretical value. Hence, only a part of the hydrokinetic power supplied
to the pump will end up as mechanical power, whereas the power loss will heat up the
motor and its surroundings including the hydraulic fluid.
The fact that the motor requires more flow in order to reach a certain shaft speed, n,
than theoretically expected is expressed by means of a volumetric efficiency:
Q tM
η vM = (2.31)
QM

where
ηvM volumetric efficiency of the motor
QtM theoretical flow demand of the motor, [volume/time]
QM (actual) flow demand of the motor, [volume/time]
As for pumps the volumetric loss is mainly due to leakage in the form of laminar
clearance flow from the high pressure chambers to the low pressure chambers within the
motor. This way some of the flow will pass through the motor without helping to rotate
the motor shaft. The clearance flow is proportional to the pressure drop and inverse
proportional to the viscosity
Δp M
Q lM = K lM (2.32)
μ
where
QlM leakage flow across the motor, [volume/time]
KlM leakage constant for the motor, [volume]
The volumetric constant tends to vary with the displacement for the same type of motor
(larger motors will have larger dimensions including the leakage clearances).
Combining Equation (2.25), (2.31), and (2.32) gives
Q tM 1.0 1.0
η vM = = =
Q tM + Q lM Q K ⋅ Δp M (2.33)
1.0 + lM 1.0 + lM
Q tM D⋅n⋅μ
It is seen that the volumetric efficiency will depend on pressure drop, motor speed and
the viscosity (mainly temperature) under working conditions. The variation of the
volumetric efficiency may be viewed graphically for 2 different situations, see Figure
2.10. The curves are based on Equation (2.33).
ηνM ηνM
1.0 1.0
n = const . μ = const .
Δp P = const . μ = const .
Δp P n
Figure 2.10 The volumetric efficiency for a hydraulic motor as function of the pressure drop
across the motor and the rotational speed of the motor shaft, respectively.

When the motor is stalled (n = 0) at a certain pressure and, subsequently, no power is
supplied to the load, the motor still receives power via the leakage flow, i.e., the
efficiency is effectively zero, as can be seen in Figure 2.10 to the right.
The fact that the motor delivers less output torque than theoretically expected is
expressed by means of a hydro-mechanical efficiency:
MM
ηhmM = (2.34)
M tM
where
ηhmM hydro-mechanical efficiency of the motor
MM (actual) output torque from the motor, [torque]
In general, the 4 different types of hydro-mechanical losses explained in the previous

section on hydraulic pumps also appear in hydraulic motors. When inserted in Equation
(2.34) the following expression is obtained:
M tM − M mM − M νM − M hM − M sM
ηhmM = (2.35)
M tM
where
ηhmM hydro-mechanical efficiency
MmM loss in output torque due to mechanical friction, [torque]
MνM loss in output torque due to viscous friction, [torque]
MhM loss in output torque due to turbulent friction, [torque]
MsM loss in output torque due to static friction, [torque]
Employing the dependencies introduced in Equation (2.15)...(2.18) in the above and

rearranging leads to an expression that shows the dependency of the hydro-mechanical
efficiency on pressure, speed and viscosity.
η hmM = D 0 −
1
Δp M
(
D1 + D 2 ⋅ μ ⋅ n + D 3 ⋅ n 2 ) (2.36)
where
D0...3 motor dependant constants
n motor speed of revolution, [revolutions/time]
In Figure 2.11 the variation of the hydro-mechanical efficiency for constant motor speed
and constant pressure drop, respectively, may be viewed graphically. The curves are
based on Equation (2.36).
When the motor runs with a constant speed, the hydro-mechanical efficiency will be
zero, when the pressure drop has a value where it is just capable of maintaining
equilibrium with the internal torque losses. This leaves nothing to rotate any load and
the motor is on the border line of acting like a hydraulic pump driven by the load.

ηhmM ηhmM
1.0 1.0
n = const . μ = const . ΔpM = const . μ = const .
Δp M n
Figure 2.11 The hydro-mechanical efficiency for a hydraulic motor as function of the pressure
drop across the motor and the rotational speed of the motor, respectively.
The (total) efficiency of a motor is defined as follows:
PM→L
ηM = (2.37)
PF→M
where
ηM efficiency of the motor.
PM→L (actual) power delivered by the motor to the load, [power]
PF→M (actual) power delivered by the fluid to the motor, [power]
The power delivered by the fluid to the motor is found by combining Equation (2.31)
and (2.25)
Q ⋅ Δp M D ω ⋅ ω ⋅ Δp M
PF→ M = Q M ⋅ Δp M = ⋅ tM = (2.38)
η vM η vM
Similarly, the power delivered by the motor to the load is found by combining Equation
(2.34) and (2.30)
PM → L = M M ⋅ ω = η hmM ⋅ M tM ⋅ ω = η hmM ⋅ D ω ⋅ Δp M (2.39)
Inserting Equation (2.38) and (2.39) into Equation (2.37) yields the following
expression for the motor efficiency:
η M = η vM ⋅ η hmM (2.40)
where
ηM total efficiency of the motor
ηvM volumetric efficiency of the motor
ηhmM hydro-mechanical efficiency of the motor
As in the case with hydraulic pumps the dependency of the total efficiency on the
pressure drop across the motor, the motor speed and the viscosity is complex, with the
volumetric efficiency best at low pressure and high speed and the hydro-mechanical
efficiency best at high pressure and low speed.

2.4 Hydraulic Cylinders
The main purpose of the hydraulic cylinder is to transform hydraulic power into
mechanical power by means of a translating piston rod. In general, a piston attached to
the piston rod, uses the cylinder housing to seal of 2 pressure chambers. Each chamber
is connected to the remaining hydraulic system. When hydraulic flow is led to either
one of the pressure chambers, the piston and piston rod moves in the corresponding
direction. Depending on the load on the piston rod from the driven mechanical system
the hydraulic cylinder will demand a certain pressure drop across its piston, in order to
move.
The main parameters for a hydraulic cylinder are:
1. The stroke, H, [length]

2. The piston area, A, [area]
3. The area ratio, ϕ
In this section the cylinder stroke is of no concern. The piston area and the area ratio are
both shown in Figure 2.12.
Out stroke
ϕA
A
(1 − ϕ )A
QtC ϕ ⋅ QtC
p1 p2
In stroke
ϕA
A (1 − ϕ )A
QtC
QtC
ϕ
p1 p2
Figure 2.12 Diagram illustration of cylinder with area definitions. The flow and pressure
variables associated with the cylinder are shown for out stroke and in stroke situations.
As shown above, the area ratio is the ratio between the annulus area (piston area - piston
rod area) and the piston area. Hence, 0 ≤ ϕ ≤ 1.0 , with the 2 extreme cases shown in
Figure 2.13.

ϕ =0 ϕ =1
Figure 2.13 Diagram illustration of cylinders corresponding to extreme values of ϕ
The theoretical flow demand for a certain cylinder speed is:
Q tC = v C ⋅ A Out stroke (2.41)
Q tC = v C ⋅ ϕ ⋅ A In stroke (2.42)
where
QtC theoretical flow demand from the cylinder, [volume/time]
vC cylinder velocity (velocity of piston and piston rod), [length/time]
A piston area, [area]
ϕ area ratio
The theoretical force applied by the cylinder (piston rod) on the load is:
FtC = p1 ⋅ A − p 2 ⋅ ϕ ⋅ A = A ⋅ (p1 − ϕ ⋅ p 2 ) Out stroke (2.43)
FtC = p 2 ⋅ ϕ ⋅ A − p1 ⋅ A = A ⋅ (ϕ ⋅ p 2 − p1 ) In stroke (2.44)

where
FtC theoretical force applied by the cylinder on the load, [force]
p1 piston side pressure, [pressure]
A piston area, [area]
ϕ area ratio
p2 piston rod side pressure, [pressure]
2.4.2 Efficiencies
The equations developed in the previous section are all based on ideal conditions
without any power loss in the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder has, just like
the hydraulic pump and hydraulic motor, both a volumetric and a hydro-mechanical
efficiency.
The volumetric efficiency means that the cylinder will require more flow than
theoretically expected, in order to meet a certain velocity. The volumetric loss is caused
by leakage across the sealings between the piston and the cylinder housing and the
sealings between the piston rod and the housing. These losses are, however, so small for
a typical cylinder that they may be ignored. This means that the volumetric efficiency
approximately is 100% (or 1.0) and that the actual flow demand is:

QC = vC ⋅ A Out stroke (2.45)
QC = vC ⋅ ϕ ⋅ A In stroke (2.46)
where
QC (actual) flow demand from the cylinder, [volume/time]
The hydro-mechanical efficiency cannot be disregarded. It is almost exclusively caused

by mechanical friction between the piston seals and the cylinder housing and the piston
rod and the cylinder housing seals. By definition it is
FC
η hmC = (2.47)
FtC
where
ηhmC hydro-mechanical efficiency of the cylinder
FC (actual) force applied by the cylinder on the load, [force]
Introducing the friction force acting in the different sealings and inserting Equation
(2.43) and (2.44) yields
FtC − FmC FmC Out stroke

ηhmC = = 1.0 − (2.48)
FtC A(p1 − ϕ ⋅ p 2 )
FtC − FmC FmC In stroke

η hmC = = 1.0 − (2.49)
FtC A(ϕ ⋅ p 2 − p1 )
where
ηhmC hydro-mechanical efficiency of the cylinder
FmC mechanical friction force, [force]
Disregarding the volumetric loss the total efficiency of the cylinder corresponds to the
hydro-mechanical efficiency, i.e.
ηC = η hmC (2.50)
where
ηC total efficiency of the cylinder
ηhmC hydro-mechanical efficiency of the cylinder.
As an approximation the mechanical friction force, FmC, is proportional to the force

applied by the cylinder on the load. Inserting this in Equation (2.48) and (2.49) reveals
that for a cylinder the variation in efficiencies can typically be disregarded:
η C = η hmC ≈ const. (2.51)
----- oo 0 oo -----

3
Characteristics of
Valve Operation
3.1 Introduction...................................................... ........................ 1
3.2 Flow Force Equation................................................................. 1
3.3 Directional Control Valves..................………………….…… 3

Fundamental Basic equations • Efficiencies
Hydraulics
3.4 Pressure Control Valves...........……………………………… 12
Pressure relief valve • Pressure reducing valve
3.5 Flow control Valves.............................................…………… 20

Restrictor valve • 2 way flow control valve • 3 way flow control valve
3.1 Introduction
Valves are used in our hydraulic systems to control the operation of the actuators. Very
often, in fact, we find the valves referred to as the “control”, particular where a number
of them are built into a single assembly.
The valves assert their authority in the circuit by regulating pressure; by creating special
pressure conditions; by deciding how much oil will flow in portions of the circuit; and
by telling the oil where to go.
We group hydraulic valves into three general categories: directional controls, pressure
controls, and flow controls. Some valves, however, have multiple functions that fall into
more than one of these categories.
Valves are rated by their size, pressure capabilities and pressure drop vs. flow. They are
usually named for their functions, but may be named for their construction as well.
This chapter gives an overview of the most common valve types and describe their
characteristics.
3.2 Flow Force Equation
In general will fluid passing through orifices try to close the orifices. For fixed orifices
this is not a problem, but for orifices with variable discharge areas, the two bodies
generating the orifice geometry will be pulled together, normally affecting the expected
Characteristics of Valve Operation Page 1 of 26

behaviour of the valve or increasing the actuation demand. In Figure 3.1, two typical
variable orifices are shown.
Q
p2
p2
Q
ϕ β x
p1
Q Q
Di D D
Q
p1
Control volume x
Control volume
Figure 3.1 Typical variable orifices in hydraulic systems. To the left a spool-drill orifice and to
the right a poppet-seat orifice.
To the left, a spool moves within a drilled valve house generating a band-shaped orifice
with discharge area: A = π ⋅ D ⋅ x . To the right, a poppet is moved relative to a valve
house seat, generating a conical band-shaped orifice with discharge area:
A ≈ π ⋅ D ⋅ x ⋅ sin (β / 2 ) .
For both cases the basic momentum conservation is utilized. It states that the sum of
external forces on a system corresponds to the time derivative of the linear momentum
of the system:
d(∑ m ⋅ v )
∑F = (3.1)
dt
where
∑F sum of external forces on a system, [force]
∑ m ⋅ v sum of linear momentum of the system, [mass⋅velocity]
Employing Equation (3.1) on a control volume containing steady state flow it may be
reformulated to:
∑F = ∑m
⋅v (3.2)
Equation (3.2) states that the sum of external forces on a control volume corresponds to
the sum of mass flow times velocity leaving the control volume.
Defining a control volume, V, as a ring with inner diameter Di and outer diameter D, see
Figure 3.1, it is seen that flow enters perpendicular and leaves through the band-shaped
orifice at some angle, ϕ, relative to the spool centre axis.
The required resulting force on the ring of fluid is determined from:
Q ρ ⋅ Q 2 ⋅ cos ϕ
Fx ,fl =m
⋅ vx = ρ ⋅ Q ⋅ ⋅ cos ϕ ≈ = 2 ⋅ ρ ⋅ cos ϕ ⋅ Q ⋅ p1 − p 2 (3.3)
CC ⋅ A CD ⋅ A
where

Fx,fl required axial force on the control volume from the spool, [force]
m mass flow, [kg/time]
vx exit flow velocity in axial direction, [length/time]
ρ mass density, [mass/volume]
CC contraction coefficient
A discharge area of the band-shaped orifice, [area]
ϕ angle between the spool axis and the orifice flow direction
CD discharge coefficient
p1-p2 pressure drop across the orifice, [pressure]
From Figure 3.1 it is seen that the control ring volume is acted upon by an axial force to
the right. Only the spool can supply this force, hence, the ring acts upon the spool with
an equal and opposite force, trying to move the spool to the left, i.e., closing it. The
same result would be obtained if the direction of flow was reversed, because the sum of
the mass flow times the reversed velocity would now be entering the control volume,
still requiring a force to the right to be supplied to the control volume. An analytical
solution to a problem of similar nature suggests ϕ = 69° but in general the angle may
vary from 0 - 90°, depending on the opening, the radial clearance and any variation in
spool and valve house geometry relative to a perfect sharp edge.
Basically, the same expression as Equation (3.3) is obtained when, applying Equation
(3.2) to the poppet valve in Figure 3.1 to the right. Defining a rotational control volume
with an outer diameter, D, and embracing the poppet as shown, the required resulting
force on the cylinder of fluid is determined from:
β
ρ ⋅ Q 2 ⋅ cos
Q β 2 = 2 ⋅ ρ ⋅ cos β ⋅ Q ⋅ p − p (3.4)
Fx ,fl = m
⋅ vx = ρ ⋅ Q ⋅ ⋅ cos ≈
CC ⋅ A CD ⋅ A
1 2
2 2
As in the case with the spool, only the poppet can act upon the control volume in axial
direction, hence, the poppet is pulled towards its seat.
For the poppet it seems that the jet angle is more easily obtained as simply half the
poppet angle. However, the jet angle may vary substantially, especially at small
openings, and specifically, the jet will have a tendency to jump from one configuration
to another at a certain combination of flow and opening.
3.3 Directional Control Valves
Directional control valves belong to the group of valves controlling flow direction.
Their purpose is to direct pump flow to an actuator as well as allow return flow from the
same actuator to the reservoir. They are classified according to the number of service
ports and number of possible configurations (positions). Hence, the directional control
valves shown in Figure 3.2 are referred to as a 2/2-way, a 3/2-way and a 4/3-way
directional valve.

2/2 way 3/2 way 4/3 way
A A A B
a b
a b a 0 b
P P T P T
Figure 3.2 Basic diagrams of directional control valves.
By convention, the designation of the service ports are almost always referred to as P
(pump connection), T (tank connection), A and B (actuator connections). Similarly, the
designation of the position of the valve is referred to as a-b (2 positions) and a-0-b (3
positions). The port connections shown for the 4/3-way valve in Figure 3.1 are typical
for the 3 positions a, 0, and b, respectively. There exist, however, several different port
connections for both 2-, 3-, and 4-working ports, see Figure 3.3, and they may be
combined to yield directional control valves with almost any thinkable functionality.
Figure 3.3 A few of the building blocks for directional control valves. Also a 4/3-way valve
with specification of intermediate positions is shown.
By distinguishing between the port connections while shifting from one position to
another the variety is even further multiplied. An intermediate position is displayed by
means of hidden lines, see Figure 3.3.
A B
A B
P T A
T P T
P
A B
A B
P T
T A
A
P T
T P T P
A B
A B P T
T A
P T
T P T
Figure 3.4 Schematic drawings of a spool directional control valve and a ball directional
control valve in the different working positions.

Another way of classifying the directional control valve is by the type of moving body
generating the different flow paths. The type of body is either a ball/poppet or a spool,
see Figure 3.4.
The ball/poppet type valve is leak proof but unsuitable for high power flow, because the
actuation is along the same line as the main flow. Contrary to this, the main flow is
perpendicular to the actuation, for spool type valves. However, in order for the spool to
move, a certain clearance between spool and valve housing is required causing leakage.
Directional control valves may be actuated in a great variety of ways. Normally the
moving body is kept in a neutral position by a centering spring. Hence, the actuator
must overcome the spring force in order to activate the valve. The types of actuation
vary from manual, electric, pneumatic, hydraulic and electro-hydraulic. In Figure 3.5
the standardized symbols used for different types of actuation are shown alone and
applied to a 4/3-way directional control valve.
Figure 3.5 Above is shown the standardized symbols for 3 different types of manual actuation
(roller, pedal and general) together with electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic actuation.
In the center is an electrically actuated directional control valves with a centering spring
is shown. At the bottom is an electro-hydraulic actuated proportional directional control
valve with manual override.
Also the actuation is used to distinguish between directional control valves. So-called
proportional directional valves and servo directional valves are spool type valves, where
the spool may be positioned proportional to some electrical input signal. In fact, this
means that the proportional/servo directional control valve has an infinite number of
possible positions making it a combination of a pure directional valve and a flow
control valve with adjustable restrictions as functions of spool travel.
A B
A0 ,P → A A0 ,B → T
T P T
A B
A0 , A → T A0 ,P → B
T P T
Figure 3.6 Spool of directional control valve shown in a-position and b-position. The band
shaped discharge areas are shown as double-hatched rectangles.

To distinguish proportional/servo directional control valves from directional control
valves an extra set of lines is added to their symbol as shown in Figure 3.5, bottom.
The governing equations for a directional control valve concerns the flow from/to the
service ports as well as the pressure drop(s) across the valve.
In Figure 3.6 the spool is shown in the a- and b-position. In general, the flow will be
turbulent after passing through the discharge areas, A0,P→A and A0,B→T or A0,P→B and
A0,A→T . Thus, the orifice equation may be used to describe the pressure drop:
2 ρ
Q = CD ⋅ A ⋅ ⋅ Δp ⇔ Δp = ⋅ Q2 (3.5)
ρ 2⋅CD ⋅A
2 2
where
Q flow through the orifice, [volume/time],
CD discharge coefficient,
A discharge area, [area]
Δp pressure drop across the orifice, [pressure]
For the type of orifices normally encountered in directional control valves the discharge
coefficient will lie around 0.55-0.65.
For an ordinary directional control valve with everything closed in neutral position the
governing equations for flow and pressure drop become:
Position (The different indices refer to the service ports)
Q P = Q A = Q P→A Q P →A = K P→A ⋅ p P − p A
a Q B = Q T = Q B→T Q B → T = K B→ T ⋅ p B − p T
(3.6)
QP = QA = QB = QT = 0
0
Q P = Q B = Q P →B Q P →B = K P→B ⋅ p P − p B
b Q A = Q T = Q A →T Q A →T = K A → T ⋅ p A − p T
where
K coefficient that mainly depends on geometry,
½
[volume/(time·pressure )]
The different constants in Equation (3.6) vary from valve to valve, as they almost
exclusively depend on the geometry of the orifices, i.e., spool geometry, spool stroke as
well as house geometry. A typical chart for a directional control valve is a Q-Δp curve
for each flow passages, see Figure 3.7. The valve in the figure is symmetrical in the sense,
that the P → A port and the P → B port are identical, and the A → T port and the B → T port
are identical.

Q [l/min]
90
80
70
60 A→T & B→T
50
P→A & P→B
40
30
20
10
0
0 5 10 15 20
Δp [bar]
Figure 3.7 Computed Q-Δp curves for a directional valve.
For a proportional/servo directional control valve the discharge area is not a constant
but varies with spool travel, hence, the governing equations will include the spool
travel, x, as a variable:
Position (The different indices refer to the service port connections)

A (x)
a Q P = Q A = Q P→A Q P→A = K P→A ⋅ P→A ⋅ pP − pA
A 0,P → A
A B→ T ( x )
Q B = Q T = Q B→ T Q B→ T = K B→ T ⋅ ⋅ pB − pT
A 0 , B→ T
0 QP = QA = QB = QT = 0 (3.7)
A P→B ( x )
Q P →B = K P→B ⋅ ⋅ pP − pB
b Q P = Q B = Q P→B A 0 ,P →B
A A →T ( x )
Q A = Q T = Q A →T Q A →T = K A → T ⋅ ⋅ pA − pT
A 0 , A →T
where
K coefficient that mainly depends on geometry,
[volume/(time·pressure½)]
A spool travel dependant discharge area, [area]
A0 maximum value for a discharge area (full spool travel), [area]
x spool travel, [length]

Often, the spool is machined to obtain a tailor-made flow dependency on the spool
travel, i.e., linear, progressive or regressive. A typical chart for a proportional
directional valve is a Q-x curve for each flow passage and for different pressure drops,
see Figure 3.8.
Q [l/min]
80
P→A & P→B
70
60
50 Δp = 100 bar
Δp = 80 bar
40 Δp = 60 bar
Δp = 40 bar
30
Δp = 20 bar
20
10
0
0 0.2 0.4 x 0.6 0.8 1
x0
Figure 3.8 Computed discharge flow from a proportional directional control valve as a function
of the relative spool travel. The value x0 represents the full spool travel (stroke).
In Figure 3.8 there is no flow until the relative spool travel is 0.2, indicating that
directional control valves normally has a certain dead band, in order to keep leakage
down.
A major problem for the actuation of directional control valves are the flow forces. As
mentioned in section 3.2, the flow force will always try to close any orifice through
which fluid is flowing. In the case of spool valves this means that the actuation has to
overcome an extra force beside the force from the usual centering spring.
pA pB
K f ,P→A ⋅ Q P→A ⋅ p P − p A K f , B→ T ⋅ Q B→ T ⋅ p B − p T
pP pT
Q P→A Q B→T
Figure 3.9 The flow forces acting on a 4/3-way spool in the a-position.

Employing Equation (3.3) the flow force acting on a spool of a 4/3-way directional
control valve can be set up:
Position (The different indices refer to the service port connections)

a
Ff = K f ,P→A ⋅ Q P→A ⋅ p P − p A + K f ,B→T ⋅ Q B→T ⋅ p B − p T
0
Ff = 0 (3.8)
b
Ff = K f ,P→B ⋅ Q P→B ⋅ p P − p B + K f ,A→T ⋅ Q A→T ⋅ p A − p T
where
Ff flow force on the spool, [force]
Kf geometry and flow dependant coefficient,
[(force·time)/(volume·pressure½)]
Notice how the flow forces from both throttlings work in the same direction, against
actuation. Information on the flow force coefficients, Kf, is not given as part of standard
catalogue information unlike the discharge flow coefficients.
Check valve
Check valves belong to the group of valves controlling flow direction. They act as
rectifiers in a hydraulic system, allowing (almost) free flow in one direction and
preventing flow in the opposite direction. When the pressure in the inlet port, port A,
reaches a certain value, crack pressure, the ball is lifted from its seat, compressing the
spring and allowing flow to port B. (see Figure 3.10)
A
B
Q
A B 2⋅r
pA pB
Figure 3.10 The standard symbol and a schematic drawing of a check valve.
Check valves are used extensively in hydraulic systems, typically to protect

components, hold loads or allow bypass. The check valve is made with either a ball or a
poppet eliminating any leakage flow. The ball/poppet may be either spring loaded or
simply gravity loaded (in that case the valve must be mounted with the ball/poppet
above the seat). In general, the flow pattern around a ball is more unpredictable and
more unstable as compared to a poppet. For check valves instability is typically not a
problem, hence, the relatively inexpensive solution with a spring loaded ball is often
used.

The governing equations for a check valve are based on the orifice equation and static
equilibrium:
⋅ (p A − p B )
2
Q = C D ⋅ A( x ) ⋅ (3.9)
ρ
(p A − p B ) ⋅ π ⋅ r 2 = k sp ⋅ (x + x ic ) (3.10)
k sp ⋅ x ic
p cr = + pB (3.11)
π⋅ r2
where
Q flow across the valve, [volume/time]
pA inlet pressure, [pressure]
pB outlet pressure, [pressure]
r inlet radius, [length]
ksp spring stiffness, [force/length]
x ball/poppet travel, [length]
xic initial compression of the spring, [length]
pcr crack pressure required to open the valve, [pressure]
Equation (3.9) and Equation (3.10) constitutes 2 equations with 3 variables Q, x and pA -
pB. Hence, knowing the flow through the valve, the pressure drop and the position of the
ball/poppet may be determined. In the above static equilibrium, Equation (3.10), the
flow force is not included, as it may be neglected for check valves because of the small
pressure drops. The variation of the discharge area depends on the configuration: ball or
poppet, see Figure 3.11.
rb
αp
x
ϕ ϕ
x
2⋅r 2⋅r
Figure 3.11 Discharge areas for a ball and poppet valve.
An expression for the discharge areas is: A( x ) = π ⋅ 2 ⋅ r ⋅ x ⋅ sin ϕ − π ⋅ x 2 ⋅ sin 2 ϕ ⋅ cos ϕ .

However, as long as the ball/poppet travel, x, is small compared to the inlet radius, r,
then the discharge areas may approximately be determined as:
A( x ) = π ⋅ 2 ⋅ r ⋅ x ⋅ sin ϕ x ≤ x0 (3.12)
where
αp
Poppet ϕ= (3.13)
2
⎡ r2 − r2 + x ⎤
Ball ϕ = g −1 ⎢ b ⎥ (3.14)
⎢⎣ r ⎥⎦
where
r seat radius, [length]
x0 maximum ball/poppet travel, [length]
ϕ discharge area projection angle
αp poppet angle
rb ball radius
Equation (3.12) only holds for x smaller than some maximum value x0 where the poppet
is blocked by the valve house. After that the check valve acts a simple restrictor (orifice
with constant discharge area).
For a simplified analysis the ball/poppet travel is disregarded, and the pressure
drop is set equal to the crack pressure, independent of the flow.
Δ p [b a r]
5
3 b a r c ra c k p re ssu re
3
1 b a r c ra c k p re ssu re
N o sp rin g
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Q [l/m in ]
Figure 3.12 Computed Q-Δp curves for a ball check valve with different springs, i.e., crack
pressures. Notice how the curves join, as the ball reaches its full travel.

A pilot operated check valve allows flow in the opposite direction when activated by a
pilot piston, see Figure 3.13. This feature is very useful when lowering loads that were
held by the check valve functionality.
A B
X
B
pX Q
2 ⋅ rX 2⋅r
pB
pA
A x
Figure 3.13 Standard symbol and schematic drawing of a pilot operated check valve. The valve
is piloted open.
The governing equations for the pilot operated check valve correspond to those of the
check valve except for the static equilibrium:
(p x − p A ) ⋅ π ⋅ rx2 = (p B − p A ) ⋅ π ⋅ r 2 + k sp ⋅ (x + x ic ) (3.15)
r 2 k sp ⋅ (x + x ic )
p cr ,x = (p B − p A ) ⋅ + + pA (3.16)
rx2 π ⋅ rx2
where
pcr,x required crack pressure in the pilot line, [pressure]
rx radius of the pilot piston
pB inlet pressure, [pressure]
pA outlet pressure, [pressure]
r inlet radius, [length]
Normally, the pilot piston will open the check valve to its maximum value, and it will
work as a simple restrictor.
3.4 Pressure Control Valves
A pressure control valve may have the job of limiting or otherwise regulating pressure
or creating a particular pressure condition required for control.

All pure pressure control valves operate in a condition approaching hydraulic balance.
Usually the balance is very simple: Pressure is effective on one side or end of a ball,
poppet or spool – and is opposed by a spring. In operation, the valve takes a position
where the hydraulic pressure exactly balances the spring force.
3.4.1 Pressure relief valve
The function of any relief valve is to protect the hydraulic system from excessive
pressure in the pressure increases above a predetermined maximum. A relief valve is an
automatic relieving device that is actuated by the static pressure upstream of the valve.
Relief valves are designed to return the hydraulic fluid directly to the reservoir. A relief
valve is normally closed until the system pressure approaches a reset value, called the
cracking pressure. As system pressure continues to increase, the amount of flow through
a properly sized relief valve will increase until the entire pump output passes through
the valve. When system pressure decreases, the valve closes smoothly and quietly.
The pressure relief valve acts like a spring loaded check valve, however, the spring load
and the poppet design are very different, as the relief valve typically is supposed to
throttle pressure drops up to several 100 bars.
In Figure 3.11 is shown a typical relief valve in an open position.
B
pB
A B
βp
x
pA Q A
2⋅r
Figure 3.14 Standard symbol and schematic drawing of pressure relief/safety valve. The valve
is open (blowing), i.e., the inlet pressure, pA, is above the crack pressure.
When the pressure in port A reaches a certain value, crack pressure, the poppet is lifted
from the seat, compressing the spring and allowing flow to port B. As long as flow is
send across the relief valve the pressure in port A will stay at, approximately, the crack
pressure. The crack pressure can be varied because the initial compression of the spring
is adjustable. A pressure safety valve is designed in exactly the same way as a pressure
relief valve. They differ in functionality, as the safety valve is only expected to bleed of
flow, when the system pressure accidentally moves above a preset value.
In general, both relief and safety valves are made with either a spring loaded ball or a
spring loaded poppet.

The governing equations for a pressure relief valve corresponds rather closely to those
of a spring loaded check valve, see Equations (3.9)...(3.11). The only difference in the
mathematical expressions is the inclusion of flow forces in the static equilibrium for the
ball/poppet. There is a distinct difference, however, in the higher crack pressure levels,
and the stiffer springs.
⋅ (p A − p B )
2
Q = C D ⋅ A( x ) ⋅ (3.17)
ρ
(p A − p B ) ⋅ π ⋅ r 2 − K f ⋅ Q ⋅ p A − p B = k sp ⋅ (x + x ic ) (3.18)
k sp ⋅ x ic
p cr = + pB (3.19)
π⋅ r2
where
Q flow across the valve, [volume/time]
r seat radius, [length]
pcr crack pressure required to open the valve, [pressure]
Equations (3.17) and Equation (3,.18) constitutes 2 equations with 3 variables Q, x and
pA-pB. Hence, knowing the flow through the valve, the pressure drop and the position of
the ball/poppet may be determined. The variation of the discharge area with the
ball/poppet travel is described in Equation (3.12). According to Equation (3.2) the flow
coefficient can be expressed as:
βp
K f = 2 ⋅ ρ ⋅ cos (3.20)
2
where
βp poppet angle
There are a number of complex phenomena related to the flow across the ball/poppet
that reduces the validity of Equation (3.4). It does, however, in most cases give a
reasonable estimate of the actual flow forces.

Δp [bar]
250
Crack pressure
200 bar
200
No flow force
150
Crack pressure
100 bar
100
No flow force
Crack pressure
50 bar
50
No flow force
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q [l/min]
Figure 3.15 Computed Δp-Q curves for 3 relief valves with different crack pressure settings.
The influence of the flow force is illustrated by not including it in the thin line curves.
In Figure 3.15, Δp-Q curves are shown for a pressure relief valve based on. As may be
seen the presence of a flow force increases the slope of the Δp-Q curve, especially at
high pressure drops. It corresponds approximately to having an extra spring. This flow
induced force is a hydraulic reaction force acting as a result of accelerating fluid
through an orifice. The pressure relief valve has 2 inherent problems: The slope of the
Δp-Q curve is unwanted from a static functionality point of view. However, if the slope
is decreased (weaker spring, flow force compensation), the result is often instability. A
solution to this basic antagonism is the pilot operated relief valve.
xX
2 ⋅ rX pX
A B
pB
B
x
QX
pA
A Q + QX
2⋅r
Figure 3.16 Standard symbol and schematic drawing of pilot operated pressure relief valve.
The valve is piloted open, i.e., the inlet pressure, pA, is above the pilot crack pressure, pcr,X.

The pilot operated relief valve works as follows, see Figure 3.16: The main poppet is
subjected to the same pressure on both sides, i.e., the light spring closes the main poppet
effectively. The crack pressure is set by adjusting the spring load on the pilot poppet.
When the pilot flow (in this case also the inlet flow) reaches the set value, a flow across
the pilot poppet and subsequently across the fixed orifice, O, is introduced causing a
pressure drop from pA to pX. The pressure drop is flow dependent, and as the flow
across the pilot poppet is increased the pressure drop across O, will finally become
larger than the crack pressure of the light main spring. The main poppet is lifted from its
seat, and only flow forces prevent the valve, see Figure 3.17, from having a perfect flat
Δp-Q curve, without any of the stability problems mentioned earlier.
250
Δp [bar] Crack pressure
200 bar
200
No flow force
150
Crack pressure
100 bar
100 No flow force
Crack pressure
50 bar
50 No flow force
0
0 20 40 60 80
Q+QX [l/min]
Figure 3.17 Computed Δp-Q curves for 3 pilot operated relief valves with different pilot crack
pressure setting. The influence of the flow force is illustrated by the thin line curves
The curves in Figure 3.17 are based on the following governing equations for a pilot
operated pressure relief valve:
⋅ (p A − p B )
2
Q = C D ⋅ A( x ) ⋅ (3.21)
ρ
(p A − p X ) ⋅ π ⋅ r 2 − K f ⋅ Q ⋅ p A − p B = k sp ⋅ (x + x ic ) (3.22)
⋅ (p A − p X )
2
Q X = C D0 ⋅ A 0 ⋅ (3.23)
ρ

⋅ (p X − p B )
2
Q X = C DX ⋅ A X ( x X ) ⋅ (3.24
ρ
(p X − p B ) ⋅ π ⋅ rX2 = k sp ,X ⋅ (x X + x ic,X ) (3.25)
k sp ⋅ x ic
p cr = + pX (3.26)
π⋅r2
k sp ,X ⋅ x ic,X
p cr ,X = + pB (3.27)
π ⋅ rX2
where
Q flow across the main poppet, [volume/time]
CD discharge coefficient for the main poppet orifice
A discharge area of the main poppet orifice, [area]
pX pilot pressure, [pressure]
r seat radius of the main poppet, [length]
[(force·time)/(volume·pressure½)] concerning the flow forces
around the main poppet orifice
ksp spring stiffness of the main poppet spring, [force/length]
x main poppet travel, [length]
xic initial compression of the main poppet spring, [length]
CD0 discharge coefficient for the fixed orifice
A0 discharge area for the fixed orifice
QX pilot flow, [volume/time]
CDX discharge coefficient for the pilot poppet orifice
AX discharge area of the pilot poppet orifice, [area]
rX pilot poppet seat radius, [length]
ksp,X pilot spring, [force/length]
xX pilot poppet travel, [length]
xic,X initial compression of the pilot poppet spring, [length]
pcr crack pressure required to lift the main poppet, [pressure]
pcr,X crack pressure required to lift the pilot poppet, [pressure]
The pilot flow is, normally, only a few l/min, and the crack pressure of the main poppet
is around 5 bar. As for the directly operated pressure relief valve the crack pressure can
be varied by adjusting the initial compression of the pilot spring.
For a simplified analysis of both types of pressure relief valves, the inlet pressure is
constant and equal to the crack pressure as soon as there is any flow across the
valve.

3.4.2 Pressure reducing valve
A pressure reducing valve is used to limit pressure level from the normal operating
pressure of the primary hydraulic system to the required pressure of a secondary
hydraulic circuit
The purpose of pressure reducing valves is to maintain a desired pressure downstream
of the valve, independently of (but lower than) the upstream pressure. In Figure 3.15 a
schematic drawing is shown together with the standard symbol for a pressure reducing
valve with bypass.
If the pressure in the regulated port, pB, goes up, the spool moves to the right against the
adjustable spring and the reservoir pressure, pT. This tends to close the connection
between ports A and B, thereby increasing the throttling and decreasing pB. If pressure
peaks appear in the regulated line the spool will travel even further to the right and first
close the connection between ports A and B. Next, after passing a certain dead band, xD,
the connection between B and T is opened. As the pressure in port T is quite low, this is
in fact a pressure relief function. It is build into almost all pressure reduction valves.
A B
x
Q A
pA
2⋅r
pB pT
B T
x xD
Figure 3.18 Standard symbol and schematic drawing of pressure reducing valve. The valve is
throttling, i.e., the pressure in port A is reduced to the desired pressure level (set by adjusting
initial compression of spring) in port B.
The governing equations for a pressure reducing valve are:

For x > 0 :
⋅ (p A − p B )
2
Q = C D ⋅ A( x ) ⋅ (3.28)
ρ
(p B − p T ) ⋅ π ⋅ r 2 + K f ⋅ Q ⋅ p A − p B = k sp ⋅ (x ic − x ) (3.29)

k sp ⋅ x ic
p cl = + pT (3.30)
π⋅ r2
For x < − x D :
Q T = C D , T ⋅ A T (x ) ⋅ ⋅ (p B − p T )
2
(3.31)
ρ
(p B − p T ) ⋅ π ⋅ r 2 − K f ,T ⋅ Q T ⋅ (p B − p T ) = k sp ⋅ (x ic − x ) (3.32)
k sp ⋅ (x ic + x D )
p cr ,T = + pT (3.33)
π⋅ r2
where
Q flow from A to B, [volume/time]
CD discharge coefficient for the A to B orifice
A discharge area of the A to B orifice, [area]
pA upstream pressure, [pressure]
pB downstream pressure, [pressure]
pT reservoir pressure, [pressure]
r radius of the spool, [length]
Kf flow force coefficient, [(force·time)/(volume·pressure½)]
concerning the flow forces around the A to B orifice
ksp spring stiffness of the spring, [force/length]
pcl downstream pressure where the A to B connection is closed,
[pressure]
QT flow from B to T, [volume/time]
CT discharge coefficient for the B to T orifice
AT discharge area for the B to T orifice
Kf,T geometry and flow dependant coefficient,
[(force·time)/(volume·pressure½)] concerning the flow forces
around the B to T orifice
xD dead band, [length]
pcr,T crack pressure required downstream to open the B to T
connection, [pressure]
The Δp-Q curve for the pressure relief function (B to T) corresponds to those discussed
in Section 3.4.1. For the pressure reducing part (x > 0), some typical curves are shown
in Figure 3.19, where the reservoir pressure, PT , has been set to nil.
The influence of the upstream pressure is complex, as increased pressure will tend to
push more flow through the A to B orifice, however this increase the valve closing flow
force and downstream pressure. In general, catalogue material will not clearly indicate
at what upstream pressure curves, like the ones shown in Figure 3.19, are determined.
The closing pressure can be varied because the initial compression of the spring is
adjustable.

Just like pressure relief valves, pressure reducing valves may be pilot operated gaining
some of the same advantages, i.e., the slope of Δp-Q curve is reduced without loss of
stability.
Δp [bar]
100
90
80
p A = 300 bar
70 p A = 100 bar
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q [l/min]
Figure 3.19 Computed Δp-Q curves for a pressure reducing valve at different inlet pressures.
The desired downstream pressure, pcl , is set to 80 bar.
3.5 Flow Control Valves
Flow control valves provide volume control in hydraulic circuits. Flow is controlled by
either throttling or diverting the flow. Throttling the flow involves decreasing the size of
an opening until all of the flow cannot pass through the orifice. Bypassing the flow
involves routing part of the flow around the circuit so that the actuator device receives
only the portion of flow needed to perform its task.
Hydraulic circuits that use flow control devices are called metered circuits. If an
actuator has the inlet flow controlled, the circuit is a “meter-in” circuit. If an actuator
has the outlet flow controlled, the circuit is a “meter-out” circuit. Flow control circuits
can either be non-compensated or compensated circuits.
Non-compensated flow controls are simple valves that meter flow by throttling. The
amount of flow that passes through the valve is determined by the position of the valve.
As the valve is closed, flow decreases. One of the most common non-compensated
valves is the adjustable needle valve, considered in section 3.5.1. Compensated flow
control valves are considered in the following sections.
3.5.1 Restrictor valve
Its purpose is to act as a simple orifice, generating a pressure drop large enough, for
some pressure relief valve further upstream to continuously bypass flow to tank. In that

case the restricting valve will work in parallel with the pressure relief valve controlling
the speed of the downstream actuator. The speed control will, however, be load
dependant.
B
pB
A B
pA
Q A
Figure 3.20 Standard symbol and schematic drawing of a restrictor valve with adjustable
orifice.
Often, the discharge area of a restrictor valve can be varied, and in Figure 3.21 the Q-Δp
curve for a restrictor valve with different settings of the discharge area is shown.
Δp [bar]
400
A = 8 mm2
350
300
250
200 A = 12 mm2
150
100
A = 16 mm2
50
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q [l/min]
Figure 3.21 Computed Q-Δp curve for a restrictor valve with different settings of the
adjustable discharge area.
The curves simply reflect the basic orifice equation, which is the only governing
equation of the restrictor valve:
Q = C D ⋅A ⋅ p A − p B (3.34)
where
A restrictor area, [area]

3.5.2 2 way flow control valve
The 2-way flow control valve belongs to the group of flow rate controlling valves. Its
purpose is to provide a constant flow independent of downstream pressure, i.e., actuator
load. This is also referred to as a pressure compensated flow valve.
The pressure independent flow is obtained by means of a differential pressure
controller, see Figure 3.19, positioned before a fixed orifice. The differential pressure
controller is, essentially, a spool subjected to the pressure before and after the fixed
orifice, on each end. The smaller pressure (after the orifice) works together with a
spring against the higher pressure (before the orifice). This way a pressure drop,
approximately equal to the initial compression of the spring, is maintained across the
fixed orifice, yielding an approximately constant flow. If the intermediate pressure, pI ,
increases, the flow will go up, but simultaneously the spool will tend to close, thereby
reducing the flow. If the opposite happens, i.e., the downstream pressure, pB, increases,
the flow will go down, but simultaneously the spool will tend to open, thereby
increasing the flow.
A B
pB
pI
2⋅r
pA
A
x
Q
Figure 3.22 Standard symbol and schematic drawing of a 2-way flow control valve. The valve
is shown working as it regulates the pressure drop across the fixed orifice by throttling the flow
before the main (fixed) orifice.
The governing equations for the 2-way flow control valve are:
Q = C D ⋅ A (x ) ⋅ (p A − p I )
2
(3.35)
ρ
Q = C Df ⋅ A f ⋅
2
(p I − p B ) (3.36)
ρ

k sp ⋅ (x ic − x ) − (p A − p B ) ⋅ π ⋅ r 2 − K f ⋅ Q ⋅ p A − p I = 0 (3.37)
where
CD discharge coefficient of the variable orifice
A discharge area of the variable orifice, [area]
pI intermediate pressure, [pressure]
CDf discharge coefficient of the fixed orifice
Af discharge area of the fixed orifice, [area]
r spool radius, [length]
Kf flow force coefficient, [force⋅time/volume⋅pressure½]
In Figure 3.23 some typical curves Q-pA for a 2-way flow control valve are shown for
different pB values.
Q [l/min]
40
35
30
25
20
15
p B = 0 bar p B = 100 bar p B = 200 bar
10
0
0 50 100 150 200 250
Δp [bar]
Figure 3.23 Some Q-Δp curves for a 2-way flow control valve set to deliver 40 l/min. The
curves differ in load/downstream pressure, pB.
Despite minor variations due to spring stiffness and flow forces, constant flow (and
thereby constant actuator speed) is obtained. Both the area of the so-called fixed orifice
as well as the initial compression of the spring can, in general, be adjusted.
It should be noted that the 2-way flow control valve only works when it is subjected to a
prescribed input pressure, pA, and not a prescribed flow, Q. Hence, it should work
together with a pressure relief valve, continuously bleeding of flow and keeping system
pressure approximately constant.

3.5.3 3 way flow control valve
The 3-way flow control valve belongs to the group of flow rate controlling valves. Its
purpose is to provide a constant flow independent of downstream pressure, i.e., actuator
load. Just like the 2-way flow control valve is also referred to as a pressure compensated
flow valve.
The pressure independent flow is obtained by means of a differential pressure
controller, see Figure 3.24, positioned before a fixed orifice. The differential pressure
controller is, essentially, a spool subjected to the pressure before and after the fixed
orifice, on each end. The smaller pressure (after the orifice) works together with a
spring against the higher pressure (before the orifice). The controller measures the flow
via the pressure drop across the fixed orifice. If there is too much flow the pressure drop
will increase and the spool will move to the right increasing the opening of a passage
from the inlet to the reservoir. Contrary, if there is too little flow the pressure drop will
decrease moving the spool in the opposite direction.
A B
pB
2⋅r
pA
pT
A T
Qin x
Figure 3.24 Standard symbol and schematic drawing of 3-way flow control valve. The valve is
shown working, as it regulates the pressure drop across the fixed orifice bypassing excess flow
to tank.
The governing equations for the 3-way flow control valve are:
Q = C Df ⋅ A f ⋅
2
(p A − p B ) (3.38)
ρ

Q T = C D ⋅ A (x ) ⋅ (p A − p T )
2
(3.39)
ρ
(p A − p B ) ⋅ π ⋅ r 2 − k sp ⋅ (x ic − x ) − K f ⋅ Q T ⋅ pA − pT = 0 (3.40)
Q in = Q + Q T (3.41)
where
Q flow used by the remaining system (actuators), [volume/time]
CDf discharge coefficient of the fixed orifice
Af discharge area of the fixed orifice, [area]
CD discharge coefficient of the variable orifice
A discharge area of the variable orifice, [area]
pT reservoir pressure, [pressure]
r spool radius, [length]
Kf flow force coefficient, [force⋅time/volume⋅pressure½]
Qin total flow sent into the valve, [volume/time]
A couple of Q-Qin curves for a 3-way flow control valve are shown in Figure 3.25 for 2
different values of pB. The reservoir pressure, PT, has been set to zero.
Q [l/min]
45 p B = 0 bar
40 p B = 200 bar
35
30
25
20
15
10
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Q in [l / min ]
Figure 3.25 Computed Q-Qin curves for a 3-way flow control valve. The curves differ in
load/downstream pressure, pB

Despite minor variations due to spring stiffness and flow forces, constant flow (and
thereby constant actuator speed) is obtained. Both the area of the so-called fixed orifice
as well as the initial compression of the spring can, in general, be adjusted.
If compared to the 2-way flow control valve, it is clear that the bypassed flow to port T
(reservoir) is not used to drive any actuator. The 2-way flow control valve utilizes all
flow that it receives. However, the 2-way flow controller also throttles the working fluid
twice, whereas the 3-way flow controller only throttles the working flow once keeping
down the temperature of the fluid.
Another basic difference is the fact that the 3-way flow controller only works when
subjected to a prescribed input flow Qin = Q + QT and not if subjected to a prescribed
pressure, pA. Hence, it should work together with a pump delivering constant or
controlled flow.
----- oo 0 oo -----

4
Actuator Control
4.1 Introduction...............................................................................
1
Fundamental 4.2 Pump Speed Control………………….……............................

Pump pressure control • Pump flow control • Pump power control
2
Hydraulics
4.3 Valve Speed Control…………................................................. 8
Meter-in speed control • Meter-out speed control • By-pass speed control •
Negative and static load control • Braking
4.1 Introduction
In general, the pressure levels in hydraulic systems are controlled by the loads driven by
the actuators. Because of this, the actuator speed, i.e., the flow to the actuators is the
variable normally controlled. However, also pressure and power, i.e., pressure times
flow, may be controlled, depending on the type of system.
In the following some classic approaches to speed and power control of hydraulic
actuators is described. Whenever efficiencies are considered the usual losses in the
systems coming from pressure drops in hoses and pipes, volumetric and hydro-
mechanical efficiencies of pumps and actuators as well as pressure drops across check
valves and directional control valves are disregarded.
Direct speed control

The simplest way of speed control is obtained by transporting the flow from a constant
displacement pump directly to the actuator(s), see Figure 4.1.
Load
Figure 4.1 Direct speed control of a hydraulic cylinder
Actuator Control Page 1 of 18

A safety valve with crack pressure a certain percentage above the highest load pressure
is necessary to avoid pressure overload. There are no power losses associated with this
system, i.e., all the power put into the pump is directed to the actuator. Hence, the
system is simple = inexpensive and efficient. There are, however, some major
drawbacks. Direct control is only applicable to systems with one actuator working at the
time and always at the same speed. Also the rotational speed of the primary mover (the
motor driving the pump) must be insensitive to moment variations in order for the speed
control to be properly pressure compensated/load independent. Finally, using AC-
motors with rotational speeds fixed at certain discrete values it may be a bit of a puzzle
to find a pump/actuator combination that gives the desired actuator speed.
4.2 Pump Speed Control
In this type of systems the speed control is accomplished by the delivered pump flow
rate. In the case where the output actuator is a cylinder or a fixed displacement motor,
variation of the speed is only possibly by variation of the flow, thus we must use a
variable displacement pump. The higher cost, in comparison to fixed displacement
pumps, can to some degree be accepted due to a higher operating efficiencies
4.2.1 Pump pressure control
With a variable displacement pump, the pump pressure may be controlled by adjusting
the pump displacement. However, it requires a downstream load that increases with
increasing flow and decreases with decreasing flow.
In Figure 4.2 a diagram corresponding to direct pump pressure control is shown
including a fixed orifice, QL, that represents the flow dependant load.
Δp P
Load
orifice
PC
D- D+ Q max QP
Figure 4.2 Direct pump pressure control applied to a load orifice
Direct pressure control works as follows: If pump pressure, pP, increases, the piston of
the positioning cylinder, PC, will move to the left. This reduces the pump displacement
and, subsequently, the pump flow. As the pump flow is reduced, the pump pressure
(pressure drop across load orifice) will decrease. Contrary, a decrease in pump pressure
will lead to an increase in pump displacement and, subsequently, an adjusting pump

pressure increase. The spring of the positioning cylinder is compressed corresponding to
the desired pump pressure level.
The simple direct control has no loss associated with it but is not well suited for normal
hydraulic applications because the spring of the positioning cylinder needs to be very
stiff as it is acting directly against the system pressure. This will lead to a noticeable
slope in a ΔpP-QP curve, see Figure 4.2 to the right, because the stiff spring is
compressed corresponding to the travel required to change the pump displacement.
A much more usual pressure control is the pilot operated pump pressure control, see
Figure 4.3.
Load
V2
orifice
Δp P
O2
QL
O1
QC
QP
pC
pP PC
Q max QP
O0
D- D+
Figure 4.3 Pilot operated pump pressure control applied to a load orifice
It works as follows: When pump pressure increases, the spool of the 3/2-way
proportional directional valve, V2, will move up. This will widen the orifice, O1, that
connects the pump pressure, pP, and the control pressure, pC, and narrow the orifice, O2,
which connects the control pressure to the tank reservoir. These variations in orifice
areas will increase the control pressure and move the piston of the control cylinder to
the left, reducing pump displacement, pump flow and pump pressure. Contrary, a
decrease in pump pressure will move the control spool down narrowing O1 and
widening O2. This will lead to a decrease in control pressure and, subsequently, an
increase in pump displacement, pump flow and pump pressure. The spring of the
proportional directional control valve is compressed corresponding to the desired pump
pressure level, whereas the spring of the positioning cylinder is rather weak, set to work
against the control pressure.
For the pilot operated pump pressure control, the control pressure can be reduced
significantly; hence a much weaker spring can be employed in the positioning cylinder.
In comparison, the stiff spring acting on the control valve is only compressed a small
fraction, hence the pump pressure is almost constant in a ΔpP-QL curve, see Figure 4.3
to the right.

The efficiency of the pilot operated pressure control is:
PL Q L ⋅ Δp L (Q P − Q C ) ⋅ Δp P Q
η= = = = 1.0 − C (4.1)
PP Q P ⋅ Δp P Q P ⋅ Δp P QP
where
η efficiency of the pump pressure control
PL power delivered to the load, [power]
PP power delivered to the pump, [power]
QL flow across the load orifice, [volume/time]
ΔpL pressure drop across the load orifice = pump pressure, [pressure]
ΔpP pressure rise across the pump = pump pressure, [pressure]
QP pump flow, [volume/time]
QC control flow, [volume/time]
As indicated by Equation 4.1 the control flow should be minimized, hence the discharge
areas of the different orifices, O0..2, are kept as small as possible. This also means that
the flow through the orifices will tend to be of a more laminar nature. It also means that
the control operation may become temperature (viscosity) dependant. Together with the
unwanted transition from turbulent to laminar flow also the sensitivity to contamination
sets a lower bound on the size of the orifices and thereby the control flow. Typical
values for control flow are 2-4 l/min.
LS
QP
QC V2
O2
O1
pC
pP
PC
O0
D- D+
Figure 4.4 Pilot operated pump pressure control based on load sensing signal from actuator(s).
Clearly pump pressure control is not well suited for more than one actuator unless extra
valve control is added. Also, it is obvious that if the pump pressure control is applied to
a load = downstream pressure that is insensitive to variations in flow then the pump

displacement will either be zero (load pressure above set pressure) or maximum (load
pressure below set pressure).
A popular version of pump pressure control is so-called load sensing (LS) where the
highest pressure level in the actuators of the system is used as reference pressure on the
control spool rather than the tank reservoir pressure. The corresponding diagram is
shown in Figure 4.4.
Typically, a valve arrangement involving proportional directional control valves are

build in, between the pump pressure and the actuators delivering the LS pressure signal.
They will act as the load orifice. The spring of the control spool is set to a value
ensuring that pump pressure is kept 10-20 bar higher than the LS pressure. The
efficiency of such an LS-system is potentially very high.
4.2.2 Pump flow control
With a variable displacement pump the pump flow may be controlled by controlling the
pressure drop across a fixed orifice. This can be achieved by means of direct control or
pilot operated control. Due to the same conditions as described for pump pressure
control, see section 4.3, this is, however, almost exclusively carried out as pilot operated
control and only this configuration will be gone through here. The set up may look as
shown in Figure 4.5.
V2
OC QP
O2
QL Qset
O1
QC
QP
pC
pP PC
Δp L
O0
D- D+
Figure 4.5 Pilot operated pump flow control
It works as follows: If the load flow, QL, increases, the pressure drop across the control
orifice, OC, increases. This causes the control spool of the 3/2-way proportional
directional control valve, V2, to move up widening the orifice connecting the pump

pressure and control pressure, O1, while narrowing the orifice connecting the control
pressure to tank, O2. As a result the control pressure will increase thereby reducing the
pump displacement and, thus, readjust the load flow. Contrary if the load flow decrease
the control spool will move down, reducing the control pressure. This will cause an
increase in pump displacement and thereby a readjustment of the load flow.
For the pilot operated pump flow control, the control pressure can be reduced
significantly as compared to the system pressure, hence a relatively weak spring can be
employed in the positioning cylinder. As a result the load flow is almost constant in a
QL-ΔpL curve, see Figure 4.5 to the right. The slope of the curve is caused by increased
throttling from pump pressure to control pressure until, finally, the spool generated
orifices loose the control ability (the connection between pump pressure and control
pressure almost closed off).
The efficiency of the pilot operated flow control is:
PL Q L ⋅ Δp L ⎛ Δp ⎞ ⎛ Q ⎞
η= = = ⎜⎜1.0 − C ⎟⎟ ⋅ ⎜⎜1.0 − C ⎟⎟ (4.2)
PP Q P ⋅ Δp P ⎝ Δp P ⎠ ⎝ QP ⎠
where
η efficiency of the pump flow control
PL power delivered to the load, [power]
PP power delivered to the pump, [power]
QL flow across the load orifice, [volume/time]
ΔpL pressure drop across the load, [pressure]
ΔpP pressure rise across the pump = pump pressure, [pressure]
ΔpC pressure drop across the control orifice, [pressure]
QC control flow, [volume/time]
Similar to pump pressure control the control flow should be kept at a minimum. For
pump flow control, however, also the pressure drop across the control orifice reduces
the efficiency, hence the pressure drop across it should be kept at a minimum without
compromising functionality. The lower limit is determined by the minimum spring
stiffness of the control spool required in order to avoid instability. Typical values for
pressure drops across control orifice are 10-20 bar.
4.2.3 Pump power control
In this strategy, using a variable displacement pump, the pump power, i.e., the power
delivered by the pump, is kept constant. There are 2 different ways of obtaining this; an
approximate approach and an exact approach.
The approximate approach corresponds in principle to pressure control in its build up,
see Figure 4.6.
The difference is the extra spring on the control spool. This rather stiff spring is not
activated until the control spool has travelled a certain distance. The effect on the ΔpP-
Qload curve is an increase in slope as shown in Figure 4.6 to the right.
In the curve is also shown the exact hyperbola corresponding to constant pump power.
By inserting an extra spring and thereby forcing a jump in slope, this hyperbola is
approximately met. In some cases up to three springs are used.

V2
Δp P
O2
QL Constant power
O1
QC
QP
pC Actual characteristic
pP PC
Q max QP
O0
D- D+
Figure 4.6 Pilot operated pump power control by means of extra spring(s).
Exact power control is achieved if the set up in Figure 4.7 is used. In this case the
desired increase in control spool spring stiffness is obtained by means of gearing. As the
pump is de-stroked the measuring piston, MP, is moved towards the pivot point of the
lever arm, hence, requiring more pump pressure to keep the control spool open. In other
words, as pump flow goes down the pump pressure increases in the same ratio,
maintaining constant pump power.
O2 V2 Δp P
QL
O1
QC
QP
pC
MP
PC
pP
Q max QP
O0
D- D+
Figure 4.7 Pilot operated pump power control by means of a measuring piston.

The ΔpP-Qload curve which corresponds to the exact hyperbola is shown in Figure 4.7 to
the right. The curve is limited by the maximum flow of the pump whereas a separate
pressure overload is required.
The expression for the efficiency of a pump power control corresponds to that of a
pump pressure control, see Equation 4.1. The difference is that the power control is
much better suited for applications with a wide range in actuator speed and load. The
cost is a more complicated system.
4.3 Valve Speed Control
Valve flow/speed control of hydraulic systems is based on variation of resistance to

flow in the system. This can be achieved by changing the flow resistance in the delivery
line or the return line of the actuator or by by-passing the flow not needed for speed
control to the reservoir.
4.3.1 Meter-in speed control
Meter-in speed control is obtained by inserting a 2-way flow control valve upstream
relative to the actuator, see Figure 4.8.
Load
pP
QL
QP QR
Figure 4.8 Meter in speed control of hydraulic cylinder
A constant displacement pump can be used. A pressure relief valve that continuously
keeps the pump pressure at a certain level is required. It by-passes the pump flow above
the set value of the 2-way flow control valve. This way the pressure at the inlet of the 2-
way flow control valve is held constant as required in order for it to work properly.

The efficiency of the meter in set up may be determined from:
Q L ⋅ Δp L ⎛ Q ⎞ Δp L
η= = ⎜⎜1.0 − R ⎟⎟ ⋅ (4.3)
Q P ⋅ Δp P ⎝ QP ⎠ Δp R
where
η efficiency of the meter in speed control
Qset set flow value of the 2-way flow control valve, [volume/time]
ΔpL load dependant pressure drop across the actuator, [pressure]
ΔpR crack pressure of the pressure relief valve = pump pressure,
[pressure]
QR flow across the pressure relief valve, [volume/time]
Obviously, the crack pressure setting of the pressure relief valve should be set as close
as possible to the highest load pressure. Similarly the constant pump flow should be
chosen as close as possible to the actual flow demand, controlled by the 2-way flow
control valve. Hence, the overall efficiency will be low for a system with great variation
in load pressures. Meter-in is well suited for more actuators, however, a 2-way flow
control valve is required for each actuator.
4.3.2 Meter-out speed control
Meter out speed control is obtained by inserting a 2-way flow control valve downstream
relative to the actuator, see Figure 4.9.
Load
pP
QL
QP QR
Figure 4.9 Meter out speed control of a hydraulic cylinder

A constant displacement pump can be used. A pressure relief valve that continuously
keeps the pump pressure at a certain level is required. It bypasses the pump flow above
the set value of the 2-way flow control valve. Considering a motor as actuator or a
hydraulic cylinder with area ratio = 1.0, the efficiency of the meter out is:
Q L ⋅ Δp L ⎛ Q ⎞ Δp L
η= = ⎜⎜1.0 − R ⎟⎟ ⋅ (4.4)
Q P ⋅ Δp P ⎝ QP ⎠ Δp R
where
η efficiency of the meter out speed control
ΔpR crack pressure of the pressure relief valve = pump pressure,
[pressure]
QR flow across the pressure relief valve, [volume/time]
The same considerations with respect to efficiency and suitability described in the
previous section about meter-in hold for meter-out.
A comparison between meter-out speed control and meter-in speed control yields:
• Temperature of fluid in actuator low, because not throttled after leaving pump.
• Pressure level on actuator always maximum.
• Back pressure on hydraulic cylinders with low area ratio very high.
• Negative (runaway) loads may be controlled.
4.3.3 By-pass speed control
By-pass speed control is obtained by inserting a flow control valve parallel to the
actuator. In Figure 4.10 this is shown with a 2-way flow control valve.
Load
QL
Q set QP
pP
Figure 4.10 By-pass speed control by means of a 2 way flow control valve.

A constant displacement pump can be used. A pressure safety valve is used as guard
against pressure overload. It does not work continuously but only when pressure peaks
appear. This means that the pump pressure will never go above the actual load pressure.
The excess pump flow is bypassed by means of 2-way flow control valve. The
efficiency of by pass speed control is:
Q L ⋅ Δp L (Q P − Q set ) ⋅ Δp L Q
η= = = 1.0 − set (4.5)
Q P ⋅ Δp P Q P ⋅ Δp P QP
where
η efficiency of the by pass speed control
QL flow into the actuator, [volume/time]
ΔpP pressure rise across the pump = load pressure, [pressure]
Potentially, by pass speed control has a better efficiency than meter in and meter out,
because the pump pressure never rises above the necessary pressure. Hence, the only
loss associated with by pass speed control is the flow through the 2-way flow control
valve. A comparison between by pass speed control and meter in speed control yields:
• Pump pressure adjusts to the actual load.

• Not suitable for systems with more than 1 actuator.
• Speed control depends on load sensitivity of primary mover.
Load
QL = Qset
QT
QP
pP
Figure 4.11 By pass speed control by means of a 3-way flow control valve.

Alternatively, by pass speed control may be obtained by directly employing a 3-way
flow control valve, see Figure 4.11.
Here the excess flow is bypassed to tank directly by the valve. The only difference from
the by pass speed control by means of a 2-way flow control valve is that the load
sensitivity of the primary mover has been eliminated at the cost of some minor pressure
drop, e.g., 5 bar, across the 3-way flow control valve. The efficiency of this type of by
pass speed control becomes:
Q L ⋅ Δp L Q set ⋅ (Δp P − Δp C ) Q set ⎛ Δp ⎞

η= = = ⋅ ⎜⎜1.0 − C ⎟⎟ (4.6)
Q P ⋅ Δp P Q P ⋅ Δp P QP ⎝ Δp P ⎠
where
η efficiency of the by pass speed control
QL flow into the actuator, [volume/time]
ΔpC pressure drop across the 3-way flow control valve, [pressure]
4.3.4 Negative and static load control
A negative load is defined as a load that tries to move an actuator in the same direction
as the flow. Negative loads always represent a cavitation threat to the hydraulic system.
They typically appear when a load has to be lowered, see Figure 4.12 to the left.
F F
ϕ⋅A ϕ⋅A
pP pP
pL
pL
A A
Figure 4.12 Two systems holding a load and trying to lower it.

To the left a system without any load holding capability. To the right a system with
perfect load holding capability but without proper functionality.
For the simple system shown above, the only pressure build up below the cylinder
piston comes from pushing flow through the tank connection of the directional control
valve as well as other restrictions (piping, filter, coolers, etc.) in the flow path before it
reaches the tank reservoir. A load holding pressure, pL, that will maintain equilibrium
with the load and the pump pressure, pP, is necessary. However, if the flow required to
build up this pressure is larger than what the pump is capable of delivering (including
the flow gearing of the differential cylinder in Figure 4.12) then the pressure line of the
pump will cavitate, i.e., in order to obtain equilibrium, pP will try to become negative.
This is impossible and the load runs away.
At the same time, any static load always represents a load drop threat. This may be
caused by pipe/hose bursting and in less critical cases (load dropping slowly) by leakage
from the pressurized regions to the tank reservoir. The latter is especially a problem
when using spool based directional control valves (which is the typical case), as they
cannot be made leakage proof.
These 2 problems: Load drop and runaway loads, may be dealt with in several ways.
Basically, the load drop due to pipe/hose bursting is dealt with by mounting a seat valve
directly on the actuator, see Figure 4.13 to the right. This gives a leak proof load
holding capability, however, it is necessary to lift the poppet/ball from the seat when the
load is supposed to be lowered. The opening pressure may be picked up in 3 different
ways.
F F
ϕ⋅A ϕ⋅A
pP pP
pL
pL
A A
Arv
ρp ρp
Figure 4.13 To the left is shown part of a system using a pilot operated check valve to lower a
load. To the right is shown the same system but with a restrictor-check valve added.

The pilot operated check valve, described in section 3.2, uses pP as opening pressure,
see Figure 4.13 to the left. By increasing the pilot area relative to the seat are, see Figure
3.10, a relatively low pumping pressure (low power consumption) can pilot the check
valve open when the load is lowered. The check valve has a relatively weak spring so
that it does not offer too much resistance when the load is raised. Ignoring its
contribution, the necessary pump pressure to pilot open the valve may be determined
from:
pL 1 ⎛F ⎞ 1 F
pP = = ⎜ + pP ⋅ ϕ⎟ ⇒ pP = ⋅ (4.7)
ρP ρp ⎝ A ⎠ ρp − ϕ A
where
pP pump pressure required to pilot open the valve, [pressure]
pL pressure on the piston side of the cylinder, [pressure]
ρp ratio of the pilot area to the seat area, (rx/r)2 , see Figure 3.10
F load, [force]
A piston area of the cylinder, [area]
ϕ cylinder area ratio
The weak spring does, however, also mean that the pilot operated check valve cannot
work as a metering (pressure build up) unit to control a runaway load. It would be much
too unstable as minor pressure fluctuations would cause consistently closing and
opening of the valve. Hence, a pilot operated check valve only solves the load holding
problem. Therefore a pilot operated check valve will normally be mounted in series
with a restrictor valve, see Figure 4.13 to the right. The restrictor valve is adjusted to
offer the flow restriction necessary to build up a sufficient load holding pressure, pL. At
the same time it will have a dampening effect on piston speed and pressure fluctuations
in the system, and hence improve stability. If the pressure drop across the pilot operated
check valve is disregarded and it is assumed that it is piloted fully open, i.e., the pilot
piston is resting against a mechanical stop, then the governing equations for the system
shown in Figure 4.13 are:
F
pL = + ϕ ⋅ pP (4.8)
A
QP 2
= C D ⋅ A rv ⋅ ⋅ pL (4.9)
ϕ ρ
where
F load, [force]
CD discharge coefficient of the restrictor valve
Arv discharge area of the restrictor valve, [area]
ρ mass density of the fluid, [mass/volume]

Combining Equation (4.8) and (4.9) yields an expression for the correct setting of the
discharge area of the restrictor valve for a given pump flow, a desired pump pressure
and a maximum load, Fmax:
QP
A rv =
2 ⎛ Fmax ⎞ (4.10)
ϕ ⋅ CD ⋅ ⋅⎜ + ϕ ⋅ pP ⎟
ρ ⎝ A ⎠
The so-called counter balance valve, see Figure 4.14 to the left, which principally
corresponds to the pressure relief valve discussed in section 3.3 uses pL as opening
pressure.
F F
ϕ⋅A ϕ⋅A
pP pP
pL
pL
A A
pcr pcr
ρp
Figure 4.14 To the left is shown part of a system lowering a load by means of a counterbalance
valve. To the right is shown a system lowering a load by means of an over centre valve. Both
systems have a check valve in parallel with the load holding valve.
The crack pressure is set a certain percentage above what is required to maintain
equilibrium with the load. This way both the load holding problem as well as the load
runaway problem is taken care of. A separate check valve that allow by pass of the flow
when lifting the load is necessary.
Neither the pilot operated check valve nor the counter balance valve are well suited for
varying loads because they are set to handle the maximum load, thereby causing very
high pumping pressures when lowering smaller loads. For systems with greatly varying
loads a so-called over centre valve may be used. It is a combination of the pilot operated
check valve and the counter balance valve as it uses both pP and pL as opening pressure,
see Figure 4.14 to the right. The pump pressure will typically act on an area 3-10 times
larger than the area acted upon by the load holding pressure. The ratio between the area

acted upon by the pump pressure and the area acted upon by the load holding pressure is
referred to as the pilot area ratio. Ignoring the pressure in the return line the governing
equations for the system shown in Figure 4.14 to the right are:
F
pL = + ϕ ⋅ pP (4.11)
A
p cr = p L + ρ p ⋅ p P (4.12)
where
F load, [force]
pcr crack pressure of the over centre valve, [pressure]
ρp pilot area ratio of the over centre valve
The crack pressure is defined as the load holding pressure required to open the over
centre valve without the aid of any pump pressure. The crack pressure is adjusted by
adjusting the initial compression of the spring. Combining Equation (4.11) and (4.12)
yields an expression for the correct setting of the crack pressure for a given pump flow,
a desired pump pressure and a maximum load, Fmax:
+ (ρ p + ϕ) ⋅ p P
Fmax
p cr = (4.13)
A
In general, the effect of using both pL and pP as opening pressures tends to stabilize the
system. However, too high pilot area ratios will cause instabilities even for over centre
valves. The effect of changes in the load is strongly reduced, see Figure 4.15.
pP
Fmax / A
2.4
1.8 Counterbalance valve

Pilot operated check valve w. restrictor
1.2
0.6
Over center valve
0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
F / Fmax
Figure 4.15 The pump pressure dependency on the load for the different types of load holding
valves

4.3.4 Braking
In general, an actuator is brought to a stand still by moving a directional control valve

into neutral, see Figure 4.16.
Direction of motion Direction of motion
Figure 4.16 Simple hydraulic system shown lowering a load and breaking.
When the valve goes to neutral the load will, due to inertia, continue its motion. This
will lead to a compression of the fluid in branch A and a decompression of the fluid in
branch B. Hence pL increases and pP decreases. For large inertia loads and systems with
insufficient damping this may easily cause severe problems, both with respect to
overloading in branch A due to pressure peaks and cavitation in branch B. These
problems are typically handled by inserting a shock valve and a suction valve, see
Figure 4.17.
The shock is simply a pressure safety valve, see section 3.3, dimensioned to a rather
small flow. It is set a certain percentage above the maximum expected static load
pressure. The suction valve is a check valve, see section 3.2, with a very weak spring, so
that the back pressure can crack it open and refill the branch in danger of cavitating. If
the back pressure/tank reservoir pressure is not high enough, an extra check valve may
be inserted in the return line with a somewhat stiffer spring, ensuring sufficient suction
pressure.

Figure 4.17 Simple system shown breaking a load. The system is equipped with a shock valve,
a suction valve and a check valve in the return line to maintain a certain back pressure.
----- oo 0 oo -----

5
Synthesis of
Hydraulic Systems
5.1 Introduction............................................................................... 1
Hydraulic System 5.2 Steady state approach……….……........................................... 1

Pressure level - Actuator sizing - Primary mover and pump sizing
Design Choose hydraulic fluid - Select line dimensions - Select control elements
Determine overall efficiency of system - Tank and cooler sizing - Filtering
5.3 Dynamic design considerations................................................. 11

Servo systems - Motion reference - Valve specifications
5.1 Introduction
The designer rarely needs to design the individual components. His task is to conceive a
strategy for solving the problem – of cause appropriate to the particular application,
then to represent this strategy on a circuit diagram, and at last to select the components
for his system from a wide range of commercial stock.
This chapter will outline a basic approach for arriving at a hydraulic system capable of
performing a specific task – giving a stepwise approach to synthesis of hydraulic
systems. Hence, the chapter will address how to combine and size some of the basic
components of a hydraulic system: Pumps, valves, actuators, lines, filters, coolers and
tank reservoir.
5.2 Steady state approach
When designing a hydraulic system the following steps should be addressed, see also:
"Design and Steady-state Analysis of Hydraulic Control Systems" by Jacek S. Stecki et
al., ISBN 83-86219-94-7:
1. Define required operating cycle for entire system.

2. Define the required operating cycle for each sub function.
3. Decide on system concept:
4. Setup a hydraulic diagram with the necessary components.
5. Decide on pressure level.
Synthesis of Hydraulic Systems Page 1 of 22

6. Select and size the actuators.
7. Select and size the primary mover and pump(s).
8. Select the type of hydraulic fluid.
9. Select size of hydraulic lines.
10. Select control elements.
11. Determine overall efficiency of system.
12. Select and size tank reservoir and/or cooling elements.
13. Select suitable filtering.
14. Do a system analysis and determine reliability.
15. Prescribe procedures for system assembly, monitoring, operation and component
replacing.
16. Estimate costs.
“The procedure outlined requires use of static or equilibrium relationships and

component manufactures’ data. There can be no certainty as to the actual dynamic
response and performance of the proposed system.”
In the following steps 1 - 13 will be described in different levels of detail.
5.2.1 Define operating cycles
Fundamental to any kind of model based dimensioning of both hydraulic and

mechanical systems is the definition of the relevant situations in which the system is
expected to operate. In this text a time sequence of working situations are referred to as
an operating cycle. All operating cycles that influence the requirements for the system
should be defined in details. The number and complexity of operating cycles for a
system may vary significantly from simple (e.g. a motor driven fan) to advanced (e.g. a
passenger car) but in any case a number of basic advantages are obtained when
specifying the operating cycles adequately. Some of the pronounced advantages are:
1. The necessary background for a model based approach to the sizing of both the
mechanical and the hydraulic system becomes available.
2. Together with proper documentation traceability in the development of any given
system is obtained.
3. Optimization and/or improvement of existing designs is simplified.
4. The amount of experimental work and field-tests is reduced.
A given operating cycle may be defined at several detail levels depending on how
precisely the mechanical system topology has been defined. If all the degrees of
freedom of the mechanical system are well defined then the operating cycle should
address the active or passive actuation of each independent degree of freedom. Further,
the exterior loading and disturbance (e.g. payload, press force, impact loading, driving
conditions, inertial loads etc.) should be described as time series. Also, such parameters
as temperature, humidity and level of contamination should be considered together with
any parameter that might influence the operation of the system and its components.
It is important to accept that the defined/chosen operating cycles not necessarily
describe all possible working situations. The important thing is that they represent an
appropriate set of operational demands to the system. Especially within mobile
hydraulics it is impossible to foresee all kind of behavior by the operator-in-the-loop
and it is a futile excercise to try and do it.
If the principle layout of the mechanical design is determined then the operating cycles
should be formulated at a detail level that makes it possible to derive the corresponding

power requirements of each actuator. Hence, for a hydraulically actuated system it
should be possible to set up the required force and speed for each cylinder and the
required torque and angular velocity for each motor, see Figure 5.1..2.
Velocity Force
Cycle time Time Cycle time Time
Figure 5.1 Requirements to a hydraulic cylinder across an operating cycle.
Angular velocity Torque
Cycle time Time Cycle time Time
Figure 5.2 Requirements to a hydraulic motor across an operating cycle.
Steps 1 and 2 should return curves as the ones shown in the above figures.
5.2.2 Hydraulic system concept
Steps 3 and 4 correspond to finding a concept for the hydraulic actuation. Basically, this
means determining how the fluid power should be generated and directed to the
different actuators. At this stage it should be determined:
• Number of pumps
• For each pump how should it be driven and controlled
• For each actuator how should it be controlled
In hydraulics it is customary to use fewer pumps than actuators (often only one pump).
This is due to costs because the pump is one of the most expensive components in any
hydraulic system. More pumps can be justified if for instance two simple inexpensive
pumps can replace one complicated and expensive one. Otherwise, adding pumps are in
general done with a view to improve the efficiency.
When there are more actuators than pumps it is, in general, necessary to insert valves to
direct and control the fluid power to each actuator. The basic conceptual building blocks
are the types of pump and actuator control described in Chapter 4 together with the

basic valves described in Chapter 3. As an example, a pressure controlled pump may be
used in conjunction with flow controlled actuators if the speed of the mechanical system
should be controlled. Alternatively, if the force supplied by the actuator is the main
concern then pressure controlling valves should be utilized.
The proper combination of pumps, valves and control methods cannot be chosen
without doing some sizing, i.e., the correct topology of the hydraulic system must be
determined iteratively and should include computation of the dimensions of the main
components. An important tool during these iterative steps is the standardized approach
to depicting hydraulic systems as so-called CETOP-diagrams. These diagrams are of a
conceptual nature and are well suited both during the design phase but also as final
documentation. However, a CETOP-diagram alone is not enough to properly describe
the operation of a hydraulic system and it should always be accompanied by some kind
of written description of the intended behavior of the system during operation.
5.2.3 Pressure level
The pressure level is typically chosen to lie within 150-250 bar. If pressure levels within
this interval results in very small flow demands, e.g., less than 3-5 l/min or very large
flow demands, e.g., > 1000 l/min then pressure level should probably be reduced or
increased, respectively. Alternatively, the entire system concept might need to be
reevaluated.
5.2.4 Actuator sizing
If the actuator is a motor, the displacement may be determined from:
2 ⋅ π ⋅ M max
D> (5.1)
p
where
D displacement of the motor, [volume/revolution]
M max maximum load torque on the motor, [moment]
p chosen pressure level, [pressure]
The greater than sign allows for an estimated hydro-mechanical efficiency of the motor
and pressure drops within the system to be taken into account at this stage.
If the actuator is a cylinder, the piston area may be determined from:
Fmax
A> (5.2)
p
where
Fmax maximum load on the cylinder, [force]
The greater than sign allows for an estimated hydro-mechanical efficiency of the
cylinder, back pressure on the annulus area as well as pressure drops within the system
to be taken into account at this stage.

5.2.5 Primary mover and pump sizing
The necessary pump flow is determined based on the situation during the system
operating cycle, where the total flow demand is at its maximum:
⎛ motors cylinders ⎞
Qmax = ⎜ Σ Di ⋅ ni + Σ Ai ⋅ vi ⎟ (5.3)
⎝ i i ⎠ max
where
Qmax maximum required theoretical flow, [volume/time]
Di displacement of the i'th motor, [volume/revolution]
ni required rotational speed of the i'th motor, [revolution/time]
Ai piston area (or by reversed flow the annulus area) of the i'th
cylinder, [area]
vi required speed of the i'th cylinder, [speed]
The power demand to the primary mover may, relatively simple, be determined from
the maximum required theoretical flow and the pressure level:
Pmax > Qmax ⋅ p (5.4)

where
Pmax maximum required power from the primary mover, [power]
Qmax maximum required theoretical flow, [volume/time]
p pressure level, [pressure]
The greater than sign allows for an estiamte of the total efficiency of the pump and the
volumetric efficiency of the actuators to be taken into account at this stage.
It should bet noted that in mobile hydraulics the primary mover is not a free choice,
since it is the engine of the vehicle. Otherwise, the primary mover is chosen among
stationary combustion engines or electric (AC and DC) motors.
Knowing the rotational speed of the primary mover, the pump displacement may be
determined:
Qmax
D> (5.5)
n
where
D pump displacement, [volume/revolution]
Qmax theoretical maximum flow demand, [volume/time]
n rotational speed of the primary mover, [revolutions/time]
Here the greatet than sign accounts for an estimated volumetric efficiencies of pump
and actuators. The rotational speed of the primary mover, n, will depend on the torque
required by the pump. However, this torque is a function of the pump displacement.
p⋅D
M > (5.6)
2 ⋅π
where
M output torque from the primary mover, [moment]

D pump displacement, [volume/revolution]
The greater than sign covers an estimated hydro-mechanical efficiency of the pump at
this stage. Clearly Equation (5.5) and (5.6) depend on each other. Hence, if the
dependency between torque and rotational speed is relatively complex for the primary
mover, then the pump displacement needs to be determined iteratively.
5.2.6 Choose hydraulic fluid
Hydraulic fluids are gone through in detail elsewhere. Its main purpose is to transfer the
hydraulic power, lubricate the moving parts and protect against corrosion. The dominant
type of hydraulic fluid is mineral oil. They are replaced by water-based fluids in
applications with fire hazards, and by environmental friendly fluids (biologically
degradable) when special attention to the surroundings must be addressed.
The mineral oils are categorized according to DIN 51524 into: H, HL, HLP, HV and
HLPD. Except for type H that is rarely used the others are supplied with additives that
improve
• corrosion protection, HL, HLP, HV and HLPD
• oxidation protection, HL, HLP, HV and HLPD
• wear reduction, HLP, HV and HLPD
• viscosity independency on temperature, HV and HLPD
• ability to self-clean and resistance to dissolve water, HLPD
The main parameter of a hydraulic fluid is the viscosity and its dependency on
temperature. It is necessary that the viscosity of the fluid at start and during operation
stay within the acceptable limits of the components of the system. Hence, it is necessary
to know the temperature of the surroundings as well as the overall efficiency of the
system to get an exact estimate of the possible viscosity range of the fluid. This should
be compared with the acceptable viscosity range for each component of the system.
However, these computations can only be performed when the entire system sizing has
been carried out. As an initial approximation it may be expected that the operating
temperature may lie in the range 40-60 °C.
5.2.7 Select line dimensions
The hydraulics lines consist of pipes and hoses. First of all, the pipe and hose
dimensions must be chosen so that their allowable pressure is above the pressure level
of the system. Also, the dimensions should be chosen so a suitable fluid velocity is
obtained. The following values are suggested:
• Suction lines (from tank reservoir to pump) : 0.5 – 2.0 m/s
• Delivery line (from pump to actuators): 3.0 – 10 m/s
• Return line (from actuators to tank reservoir): 1.0 – 3.0 m/s
Especially, in the suction line is it essential to avoid any pressure drops so that the
suction pressure of the pump may be adequate for it to work optimally. Both in the
delivery as well as the return line there is a trade off between strength (smaller
diameters needs less thickness to withstand same pressure) and low velocity (larger
diameters).

The pressure drop in any hydraulic line depends on several parameters. Firstly, the type
of flow, laminar or turbulent, has to be established. This is done based on the
dimensionless Reynolds number:
4⋅v⋅ A
Re = (5.7)
υ ⋅O
where
v mean fluid velocity, [length/time]
A cross sectional area of the flow path, [area]
υ kinematic viscosity, [area/time]
O circumference of the flow area, [length]
Hence, for a circular line (pipes and hoses), the Reynolds number is:
4 ⋅Q
Re = (5.8)
υ ⋅π ⋅ d
where
Q flow in the pipe, [volume/time]
υ kinematic viscosity, [area/time]
d inner diameter of the line, [length]
At low Reynolds numbers the flow is laminar, whereas it becomes turbulent rather
abruptly around a critical value of approximately 2300.
The pressure loss due to flow in a line is given by:
λ ⋅ L ⋅ ρ ⋅ v2
Δp = (5.9)
2⋅d
where
λ is a dimensionless resistance number
L is the length of the line, [length]
ρ is the mass density, [mass/volume]
v is the mean fluid velocity, [length/time]
d is the inner diameter of the line, [length]
The resistance number can be found when the Reynolds number and the type of flow
have been established. For laminar flow it is:
64
λ= (5.10)
Re
For turbulent flow it is:
0.3164
λ= (5.11)
Re0.25
Equation (5.8) → (5.11) is the necessary tools to determine the pressure losses in the
hydraulic lines of the system. Knowing the approximate mechanical system as well as
the position of the actuators, it is possible to reasonably estimate the different line
lengths.

Another pressure loss source in the hydraulic lines is associated with any bends or
branching of the flow path. As a rough estimate on the pressure drop around a bend the
following formula may be employed:
ξ ⋅ ρ ⋅ v2 β
Δp = ⋅ (5.12)
2 90
where
ξ dimensionless pressure drop coefficient number
v mean fluid velocity, [length/time]
β angle of the bend, see Figure 5.1, [degrees]
The pressure drop coefficient depends on the ratio between the bend radius and the
inner diameter, see Figure 5.3, and may roughly be determined
0.3
ξ=
0.6
⎛ rb ⎞ (5.13)
⎜ ⎟
⎝d ⎠
where
ξ dimensionless pressure drop coefficient number
rb radius of the bend, [length]
rb
β
Figure 5.3 Illustration of the variables associated with the pressure drop across a bend in a
hydraulic line.
5.2.8 Select control elements
The necessary control elements are determined from the design concept. The valves
may either be mounted on a plate or screwed into a housing as cartridge valves. In
general, it is a good idea to keep the valves close together and to use ports with the same
dimensions. I.e., if the delivery line is, e.g. ½", then the valves should, preferably have
½" connections. It is important to know the demands from the valves to contamination
(filtering) and viscosity (fluid and fluid temperature).
5.2.9 Determine overall efficiency of system
The overall efficiency of the system is determined from:

motors cylinders
Σ 2 ⋅ π ⋅ M i ⋅ ni + Σ Fi ⋅ vi
P (5.14)
η = out = i i
Pin M PM ⋅ n PM
where
η efficiency of the system at a certain time
Pout power delivered by the system, [power]
Pin power put into the system, [power]
Mi output torque delivered by the i'th motor, [moment]
ni rotational speed of the i'th motor, [revolutions/time]
Fi output force delivered by the i'th cylinder, [force]
vi speed of the i'th cylinder, [length/time]
M PM output torque from the primary mover, [moment]
nPM rotational speed of the primary mover, [revolutions/time]
Normally, the efficiency will vary during the operating cycle of the entire system.
Hence the overall efficiency of the system should be determined as:
tc Pout
η tot = ∫ ⋅ dt (5.15)
t =0 Pin
where
ηtot overall efficiency of the system
Pout power delivered by the system, [power]
Pin power put into the system, [power]
tc duration of the operating cycle for the entire system, [time]
5.2.10 Tank and cooler sizing
The losses associated with the efficiency of the system will always lead to heating of the
fluid. In general, all the power losses in the system are used to generate heat in the fluid.
Assuming that the temperature of the fluid is uniform within the entire system and that
the only heat exchange with the environment is via the surface area of the tank reservoir
then a heat balance may be set up for a steady state situation:
Φs = Φe (5.16)
where
Φs heat flux generated by the system, [power]
Φe heat flux transmitted to the surroundings/environment, [power]
The average heat flux generated by the system may be determined as:
Φ s = Pin − Pout = (1 − η tot ) ⋅ 2 ⋅ π ⋅ M PM ⋅ n PM (5.17)
The heat flux transmitted to the environment from the tank reservoir may be determined
as:

Φ e = k c ⋅ Ar ⋅ ΔT (5.18)
where
Φe heat flux transmitted to the surroundings/environment, [power]
kc heat transmission coefficient for the tank, [power/(area⋅degree)]
Ar area of the cooling surface of the tank reservoir, [area]
ΔT temperature difference between the hydraulic fluid and the
surroundings, [degree]
Typical values for the heat transmission coefficient are: 10..15 W/(m2⋅K) for steel
reservoirs and 6..9 W/(m2⋅K) for cast iron reservoirs. Combining Equation (5.17) and
(5.18) leads to an expression for the necessary surface area of the tank reservoir based
on an acceptable fluid temperature:
Φs
Ar = (5.19)
k c ⋅ ΔT
As a rule of thumb the tank reservoir should be approximately 3..5 times the pump flow.
In cases where the requirements to the reservoir surface area becomes too large, heat
exchangers are widely used. They are either water or air driven, and their power
consumption capability is easily determined once a tank reservoir has been chosen:
Φ he = Φ s − k c ⋅ Ar ⋅ ΔT (5.20)
where
Φ he required cooling capability of the heat exchanger, [power]
If steady state is not reached for the temperature during an operating cycle then
Equation (5.19) may be considered somewhat conservative and the more general
equation for the development of the fluid temperature as a function of time may be
employed:
kc ⋅ Ar
− ⋅t
⎡ Φs ⎤ ⎡ Φs ⎤ M fl ⋅c fl
T( t ) = ⎢ + TS ⎥ + ⎢T0 − − TS ⎥ ⋅ e (5.21)
⎣ k c ⋅ Ar ⎦ ⎣ k c ⋅ Ar ⎦
where
t is the time, [time]
M fl is the mass of the fluid, [mass]
c fl is the specific heat of the fluid, [energy/(mass⋅degree)]
Ts is the temperature of the surroundings, [degree]
T0 is the initial temperature of the fluid, [degree]
In (5.21) it is assumed that the power loss is constant in time.
5.2.11 Filtering
In order for the hydraulic system to function properly over a longer period proper
filtering is crucial. Filters may, basically, be inserted in suction lines (protect pump),

delivery lines (protect valves and actuators) and return lines (remove picked up
contamination). Return line filtering is most common as the demands to and hence cost
of a return line filter is smaller than that of a delivery line (high pressure) filter. Filters
in the suction line protect the expensive pump but might cause cavitation if the pressure
drop across it becomes too large. Filters typically come with a by pass check valve that
allow free flow if the filter is blocked.
The efficiency of the filter is expressed by means of a β value. It is defined as follows:
nin
βx = (5.22)
nout
Where
βx efficiency w.r.t. to particles of the size x μm
nin number of particles of the size x μm pr. 100 ml entering the filter
nout number of particles of the size x μm pr 100 ml leaving the filter
Hence a filter with β10 = 75 will pick up 98.7% of 10 μm particles trying to pass
through it. In general, the component information will include requirements to fluid
cleanliness and recommendations to the necessary filtering.
Fluid cleanliness is classified according to ISO 4406 and consists of 2 numbers that
define the allowable number of 5 μm and 15 μm particles, respectively, in a 100 ml
sample.
5.3 Dynamic design considerations
The design approach described in Section 5.2 is well suited for systems with a
predominantly static behavior. However, many hydraulically actuated systems have a
strongly dynamic nature and this needs to be taken into account. The hydraulic system
influences the dynamic performance of the entire system and, simultaneously, the
dynamic performance of the entire system influences the choice of hydraulic
components. The most important type of hydraulically actuated systems where dynamic
design considerations have to be made are, in general, referred to as servo systems.
5.3.1 Servo systems
A servo system is a tracking control system that receives a reference signal, measures its
own output and controls the output to be in accordance with the reference. For a
hydraulic servo system the output to be controlled is typically a position, speed or force
and, accordingly, the servo system is labelled either a position servo, speed servo or a
force servo. In Figure 5.4 a typical valve controlled hydraulic servo system is shown
with its basic components. A typical hydraulic servo consists of:
• Constant pressure source
• Directional control valve
• Hydraulic lines between valve and actuator
• Actuator
• Mechanical system - payload

• Output sensor
• Servo amplifier
Actuator
Output sensor Mech. system

Hydraulic (payload)
x lines
u
− Directional
uref + K control valve
Servo
amplifier
Constant
pressure supply
Figure 5.4 Hydraulic servo system with linear actuator.
In order to reduce disturbances and non-linearities in the system the supply pressure is
normally held at a constant value by means of accumulators together with either
variable displacement pumps or pressure control valves. This is done at the expense of
efficiency which can become quite small depending on the characteristics of the
working cycles.
The valve is a high end directional control valve and it is characterized by a high
bandwidth (low response time), internal control loop that positions the spool according
to an electrical input signal and with finely machined tolerances that ensures smooth
transition in performance when the valve is operating around the neutral position.
Directional control valves for servo applications are referred to as either servo valves
(servo applications) or proportional valves (spool position is propotional to input
signal). The distinction between the two types is not well defined but there is a tendency
to refer to valves depending on the type of actuation used to move the spool:
• Single-stage - the spool is directly actuated by means of an electrical linear force
motor. The inner control loop is realised via electrical position feedback.
• Two-stage - the spool is hydraulically actuated by means of an electrically
actuated pilot stage. The inner control loop is realised via mechanical position
feedback.
• Three-stage - the main spool is hydraulically actuated by means of a two stage
valve. The inner control loop of the main spool is realised via electrical position
feedback.
The two- and three-stage control valves have higher bandwidth but also requires extra
filtering (built in), requires a pilot flow, costs more and their response time depends on
the level of the supply pressure. The three-stage control valve is the most expensive and
is only used for high power applications where flow and pressure demands cannot be
met by a two-stage valve. The valves are also, classically, referred to according to the
layout of the spool around neutral position, see Figure 5.5.

Figure 5.5 Physical layout of spool with over-lap, zero-lap and under-lap.
This greatly influences the performance of the valve around its neutral position and for
such applications this must be taken into account. Normally, a number of steady state
characteristics are given for a commercial valve that describe how the valve is lapped.
The hydraulic lines between the valve and the actuator are normally reduced in size as
much as possible in order to maintain as high an effective stiffness as possible of the
fluid. This is important in order to have as low a response time as possible for the
hydraulic part of the servo system. Appropriate peak fluid veclocity for such lines may
be as high as 30 m/s.
The actuators are the usual rotary=motor and linear actuators=cylinder gone through in
chapter 2. Normally, the inertia of the actuators are negligible in hydraulically actuated
systems when compared with that of the payload. The use of cylinders pose a number of
challenges that is not encountered when using motors. For high speed applications the
cylinder friction may pose a problem and more expensive cylinders where extra
measures have been taken to reduce both stiction and coulomb friction are used. Also,
the effective stiffness of hydraulic cylinders change significantly with stroke, see
Section 6.3, and this must be considered in the design phase. Also, cylinders with
differential areas should be avoided for applications where the valve operates around its
neutral position because the dynamic characteristics of the system will be changing
abruptly all the time. Because of this, cylinders with identical pressure areas, i.e. ϕ = 1 ,
are used frequently, see Figure 5.4. When using differential area cylinders different
layouts may be utilized, see Figure 5.6.
Figure 5.6 Hydraulic servo system with differential area cylinder.

When a hydraulic motor is used as actuator the controlled variables of the different
types of servo systems are: rotation, rotational speed and torque. For such systems the
effective stiffness is almost constant, see Section 6.3.
The mechanical system should be well understood, especially its effective inertia and its
effective stiffness, see Section 6.3. Often the mechanical system to be actuated is quite
stiff as compared to the hydraulic system, however, this is not always the case, and in
such situations the extra flexibility introduced by the mechanical structure must be
included when computing the eigenfrequency of the system. Special care must be paid
to any type of sliding connections where friction may appear since this can greatly
reduce the controllability of the mechanical system. Ideally, the possible implications of
friction should be investigated either via model based sensitivity analysis or, if this is
not sufficient for a reliable design, via experimental work.
The sensor obviously depends on the type of servo and can be in the shape of a
potentiometer, an encoder, a tachometers or an accelerometer for a position or speed
servo. For a force servo it may be sufficient to measure the pressure drop across the
actuator, however, if friction is high it may be necessary to measure the actual force
produced at the piston rod or at the payload.
The servoamplifier receives the measured signal and a command reference signal. The
difference is fed into a controller that generates a command signal to the valve. In some
cases the electronics is integrated in the valve. It is important to note that depending on
the type of servo the valve is operating around neutral (position servo) or around a
metered out position (speed and force servo), see Figure 5.7. Hence, a differential area
cylinder can be used for a force servo because the jumps in dynamic characteristics
around the neutral valve position are avoided.
Figure 5.7 Position (equal area cylinder), speed (motor) and force servo (differential area
cylinder).
5.3.2 Motion reference
When generating motion references for servo systems it is necessary to take into
account the natural eigenfrequency of the hydraulic mechanical system. In Section 6.3 it
is gone through in detail how to compute the eigenfrequency of hydraulic mechanical

systems. This requires the computation of the spring stiffness of the hydraulic system
and the effective inertia of the mechanical system. It should be noted that if the
mechanical system has a flexibility that cannot be ignored it should be treated as a
spring in series with the spring representing the hydraulic system.
The natural eigenfrequency gives an indication of the limit that the mechanical system
imposes on the desired motion. Consider a 2nd order under-damped system with a
natural eigenfrequency, ω n , a damping, ζ and a mass, m. The mass is traveling at a
speed, y = v0 , and the motion of the mass should be ramped down via the reference
input x , see Figure 5.8. In principle this corresponds to halting a hydraulically
controlled payload by ramping down the input flow.
v0
k
m
b y
x
Figure 5.8 A second order system with a mass traveling at a speed y = v0 .
Initially, x = y = v0 and then the reference velocity is ramped down according to:
⎡ t ⎤
x = v0 ⋅ ⎢1 − ⎥ (5.23)
⎣ tR ⎦
In (5.23) t is the time and t R is the ramp time during which the mass is decelerated. The
analytical solution to the motion of the mass is:
⎡ α ⎤
y = C0 + C1 ⋅ t + C2 ⋅ t 2 − C0 ⋅ e −α ⋅t ⋅ ⎢cos( β ⋅ t ) + ⋅ sin( β ⋅ t )⎥
⎣ β ⎦
v v
C0 = 2 0 C1 = v0 C2 = − 0 (5.24)
ωn ⋅ t R 2 ⋅ tR
α = ζ ⋅ ωn β = ωn ⋅ 1 − ζ 2
In Figure 5.9 the variations in the reference motion and the motion of the mass are
shown. The reference velocity becomes zero at t = t R . At that instant the position error,
referred to as the overshoot, is:
v0 ⎧ ⎡ α ⎤⎫
e = x t =t R − y t =t R = ⋅ ⎨1 − e −α ⋅t R ⋅ ⎢cos( β ⋅ t R ) + ⋅ sin( β ⋅ t R )⎥ ⎬ (5.25)
ω n2 ⋅ t R ⎩ ⎣ β ⎦⎭
The relative overshoot is the absolute position error relative to the nominal travel:

⎧ ⎡ α ⎤⎫
⋅ ⎨1 − e −α ⋅t R
e 2
ε= = ⋅ ⎢cos( β ⋅ t R ) + ⋅ sin( β ⋅ t R )⎥ ⎬ (5.26)
x t =t R ω n2 ⋅ t R2 ⎩ ⎣ β ⎦⎭
1.2
ε y*
1
x*
0.8
[−]
0.6 rad
ωn = 100 ζ = 0.2
s
0.4
m
v0 = 1 t R = 0.06 s
0.2 s
0
0 3 6 9 12 15
t* = t ⋅ ωn [ − ]
Figure 5.9 Reference motion and actual motion of a 2nd order system subjected to a ramp down
of the velocity. The relative overshoot is shown.
In Figure 5.10 the relative overshoot is plotted as a function of the ramp time and the
damping. The eigenfreguency has no influence on the curves.
100 ⋅ ε [%]
100
80
60
40 ζ = 0.2
20
ζ = 0 .8
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
t R* = t R ⋅ ωn [ −]
Figure 5.10 Relative overshoot as a function of ramp time and damping.
Since most hydraulic systems have dynamic characteristics that are not far from those of
the system in Figure 5.8 the above results may be utilized for a hydraulic servo system.
From Figure 5.10 it is clear that for a typical hydraulic mechanical system ramp times
should be considered whenever motion is prescribed. Also, it is clear that a useful ramp
time depends on the acceptable overshoot. Hence, if high overshoot is acceptable small
ramp times may be prescribed and vice versa. As a rule of thumb, the ramp time of a
prescribed motion should obey the inequality:
6
tR ≥ (5.27)
ωn

It is very important to keep in mind that the eigenfrequency of a real system may be
substantially smaller than the one computed for a model of the system. The discrepancy
is mainly because the modeled stiffness typically is higher than the actual stiffness. This
can be taken into account in many ways, for example by using a smaller stiffness in the
computation or by means of experimental work that can reveal the actual
eigenfrequency(ies) of the system to be controlled.
For stiff systems with high natural frequency the limitation on the ramp time might
come from other sources such as:
• pressure level required to generate the ramp acceleration
• response time of directional control valve
• response time of variable displacement pump if present
These lower bounds on the ramp time must be considered from application to
application, however, in general, ramp times should be kept as small as possible
because this reduces the maximum speed and thereby the energy usage and the pump
flow. This can be illustrated by considering a simple task of translating a payload of
mass, m = 1kg , a distance, Δs = 1m , within a given time Δt = 1s . In that case the
maximum velocity and the maximum kinetic energy depend on the ramp time as shown
in Figure 5.11.
2 2
m = 1kg Δs = 1m Δt = 1s
1.5 1.5
v0
⎡m⎤
⎢s⎥ 1 E kin 1 [J]
⎣ ⎦
0.5 0.5
0 0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5
tR
[ −]
Δt
Figure 5.11 Maximum velocity and maximum kinetic energy as function of ramp time.
Considering losses it should be noted that most of the flow losses in valves and lines
also increase with the maximum velocity.
Let us consider the basic operation; to move a payload a certain distance within a
certain time. Let Δs denote the travel associated with the operation. let Δt denote the
time available for the operation and let σ be a dimensionless number, σ < 0.5 , that
denotes the ratio between the ramp time and total time. Initially, some considerations
should be made concerning the shape of the velocity profile. In Figure 5.12 the velocity
profile associated with a linear ramp, i.e., constant acceleration, and a cosine-shaped
ramp, i.e., a sinus-shaped acceleration, are shown. Clearly, the sinusoid has the
advantage that it increases the degree of continuity at the ramp boundaries. This will,
especially for very stiff systems, reduce impact loads, vibrations and noise. The
disadvantage is the increased demands on the valve control and the higher maximum
acceleration (half way through the ramp).

The maximum velocity is the same for both profiles:
1 Δs
v0 = ⋅ (5.28)
1 − σ Δt
tR
σ= [−]
Δt
1
Sinus
0.8
v 0.6 Constant
[ −]
v0 0.4
0.2
0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
t
[ −]
Δt
Figure 5.12 Two different velocity profiles; constant acceleration and sinusoid acceleration.
Both time and velocity are normalized.
The velocity as a function of time may be computed as:
⎧ t
⎪ v0 ⋅ 0 ≤ t ≤ tR
⎪
⎪
tR
v( Linear ) = ⎨ v0 t R ≤ t ≤ Δt − t R
⎪ ⎡ t* ⎤
⎪v0 ⋅ ⎢1 − ⎥ Δt − t R ≤ t ≤ Δt
⎪⎩ ⎣ t R ⎦
⎧ v0 ⎡ ⎛ t ⎞⎤
⎪ ⋅ ⎢1 − cos⎜⎜ π ⋅ ⎟⎟⎥ 0 ≤ t ≤ tR (5.30)
⎪2 ⎣⎢ ⎝ t R ⎠⎦⎥
( Sinusoid ) ⎪
v =⎨ v0 t R ≤ t ≤ Δt − t R
⎪v ⎡ ⎛ t * ⎞⎤
⎪ 0 ⋅ ⎢1 + cos⎜⎜ π ⋅ ⎟⎟⎥ Δt − t R ≤ t ≤ Δt
⎪⎩ 2 ⎣⎢ ⎝ t R ⎠⎦⎥
t* = t − Δt + t R
5.3.3 Servo valve specifications
Servo valves are highly specialized components and as such, they are normally chosen
from the catalogue data of experienced manufacturers. In order to choose a servo valve
from a catalogue two values need to be computed:
1. The minimum rated flow, Qr ,min , of the valve.
2. The minimum bandwidth, ωv ,min , of the valve
To compute the minimum rated flow it is necessary to perform steps 1..5 in the
systematic design approach, see Section 5.2, but only for the degree of freedom

controlled by the servo valve. As an example, the servo system of figure 5.4 is
considered, see Figure 5.13.
y , y , y
pL = p1 − p2
p1 p2 F
m
QL QL
Δpmo Δpmo
ps
Figure 5.13 Servo system with 4/3-way servo valve supplying fluid power to an equal area
actuator that translates a payload.
In this case the prescribed motion of the piston, y , y and y , and the applied force on
the piston, F , must be determined over the entire operating cycle. Next, the pressure
level, i.e., the supply pressure, p s , should be chosen. The value of the supply pressure
depends on the chosen valve type. In general, as high a pressure level as possible should
be chosen with a view to reduce the size and cost of the pump and other flow
transmitting components. Because the servo valves use throttling across their metering
orifices for functionality it is necessary to take this into account when sizing the
actuator. The pressure drop across the equal area cylinder is introduced, see Figure :
p L = Δp cyl = p1 − p 2 (5.31)
Using a symmetrical valve we have the following correlation between the supply
pressure, the load pressure and the load flow:
2 ps − pL
⋅ ( ps − pL )
2 1
QL = C d ⋅ w ⋅ x ⋅ ⋅ Δp mo = C d ⋅ w ⋅ x ⋅ ⋅ = Cd ⋅ w ⋅ x ⋅ (5.32)
ρ ρ 2 ρ
In Equation (5.32) the area gradient of the metering orifices of the valve is w and the
spool travel is x . The pressure drop across each of the metering orifices is introduced as
Δp mo = 0.5 ⋅ ( p s − p L ) . The fluid power delivered to the cylinder piston is:
⋅ ( ps − pL )
1
PF →C = p L ⋅ Q L = p L ⋅ C d ⋅ w ⋅ x ⋅ (5.33)
ρ

In order to maximize the available power for a given valve opening the following can be
set up:
∂PF →C
=0⇒
{
∂ pL ⋅ ps − pL
=0
}
∂p L ∂p L
⇓ (5.34)
pL 2
ps − pL − = 0 ⇒ pL = ⋅ ps
2 ⋅ ps − pL 3
Hence, the load pressure should be set to 67% of the supply pressure in order to
maximize output power.
Knowing the load pressure the size of the actuator can be computed from:
(F + m ⋅ y)max
p L ⋅ A = F + m ⋅ y ⇒ A ≥ (5.35)
pL
In catalogues the inequality of Equation (5.35) is turned into an equation by adding a

safety factor of 1.3:
(F + m ⋅ y)max
A = 1 .3 ⋅ (5.36)
pL
Based on Equation (5.36) it is possible to find a commercially available cylinder and

now the so-called no-load flow demand can be computed for the entire operating cycle.
Clearly, the load pressure as it is computed in Equation (5.34) is a maximum value.
During an operating cycle the load on the piston may vary significantly. Therefore it is
necessary to compute the actual flow demand, the actual load pressure and the
corresponding no-load flow demand for the entire operating cycle:
Q( t ) = A ⋅ y ( t )
F ( t ) + m ⋅ y( t )
pL ( t ) =
A (5.37)
ps
Q NL ( t ) = Q( t ) ⋅
ps − pL ( t )
The maximum value of the no-load flow represents the basic flow requirement to the
valve: in a situation where the valve is fully open and there is no load on the piston the
valve flow should be larger than or equal to the maximum no-load flow:
Qv ,NL@ps ≥ max{QNL ( t )} = QNL ,max (5.38)
In catalogues the ability of the valve to transmit flow is given as a rated flow. The rated
flow corresponds to a no-load flow for a supply pressure equal to a certain rated
pressure, pr . For multiple stage servovalves this rated pressure is, classically, equal to
70 bar which corresponds to 35 bar pressure drop across each metering orifices in the
no load situation. So the flow demand may finally be transformed to a value that is
comparable with the rated flow:

pr
Qr ,min = 1.1 ⋅ Q NL ,max ⋅
ps (5.39)
Qr ≥Q r ,min
A safety factor of 1.1 is normally introduced at this point. This concludes the
computation of the minimum required value of the rated flow. It is recommended to
choose a valve that has a rated flow that is as close as possible to the minimum required
value. A large valve will be costly and compromise the accuracy of the total system.
Secondly, the minimum bandwidth of the valve must be determined. Here, experience
dictates that the valve must be faster than the hydraulic-mechanical system, i.e., the
valve should be able to operate at frequencies higher than the lowest eigenfrequency of
the hydraulic-mechanical system, ω n . A rule of thumb is that the operating frequency
that corresponds to a 90° phase lag for the valve should be three times larger than ω n :
ω v ,min = 3 ⋅ ω n (5.40)
Most servo valves has a frequency characteristic that roughly ressembles that of a
critically damped 2nd order system. In Figure 5.14 this has been illustrated with three
idealised Bode plots of the same valve. It is important to note that the valve has a much
higher bandwidth if only a certain percentage of the total spool travel is activated.
-2
Magnitude (dB)
-4
-6
-8
-10
± 90% ± 25% ± 5%
-12
0
-45
Phase (deg)
-90
-135
10
0
10
1
ωv @ 90% 10
2
ωv @ 5% 10
3
Frequency (rad/sec) ωv @ 25%

Figure 5.14 Idealised Bode plots of servo valve for three different levels of actuation.
In Figure 5.14 the effective bandwidth of the valve ( 90° phase lag) is referred to as ω v
with reference to the actuation level. The valve actuation that corresponds to
computation of the minimum rated flow should off course be used to determine whether
the valve is suitable:

ω v ≥ ω v ,min (5.41)
Equations (5.39) and (5.41) represents the criteria used in practice when choosing servo
valves.
----- oo 0 oo -----

6
Analysis of
Hydraulic Systems
6.1 Introduction............................................................................... 1
Hydraulic System 6.2 Steady State Modeling and Simulation..................................... 1

Basic equations - Configuration parameters - Numerical solution
Design
6.3 Dynamic Modeling and Simulation.......................................... 5
Pressure build up - Valve dynamics - Damping - Friction - Mechanics -
Accumulators - Effective inertia - Eigenfrequencies
6.4 Numerical solution.................................................................... 14
6.1 Introduction
In the previous chapter on synthesis of hydraulic systems a step-wise approach to the

sizing of a given concept was introduced. This approach and indeed any type of model
based approach to the design of hydraulic systems requires that the system performance
can be simulated. For a hydraulic system the important questions that need to be
answered via the simulation are both functionality and performance. Basically, it should
be investigated whether the desired control of the actuators is possible and,
simultaneously, at what power, pressure and flow levels this can be achieved.
The ongoing competition between manufacturers of hydraulically actuated systems
continuously set new references for main competition parameters such as price,
efficiency, controllability, weight and safety. Since development time and costs must be
kept at a minimum this leaves the design engineer in a challenged position typically
facing a complex task of a strongly dynamic and multidisciplinary nature. The use of
simulation offers a number of potential advantages if applied with common sense. They
include reduction of development time, reduction of experimental costs, improved
documentation and facilitation of optimization of already existing systems. The
difficulties lie not so much in the complexity of the governing equations but propably
more often in the ability to estimate important equation parameters with a sufficient
precision. Also, the type of analysis needs consideration. Hydraulically actuated systems
are often highly dynamical, however, in the initial design stages when the hydraulic
system is at a conceptual level it is typically easier and more rewarding to do steady
state simulation since this will give a good indication of both functionality, price and
efficiency. The steady state simulation does, however, not give any indication on
dynamic performance, i.e., instability, vibrations, controllability, fluid compression,
pressure peaks etc. In order to investigate these phenomena a dynamic simulation is r

equired. In the following subsections methods for steady state and dynamic modeling
and simulation are presented.
6.2 Steady State Modeling and Simulation
Physically, steady state simulation of a hydraulic system is characterized by:

• constant actuator speed
• constant pump speed
• incompressible fluid
• all mechanical parts in valves are stationary
The steady state equations for the basic components of a hydraulic system are gone
through in the following tables. For each component a short descriptive name is given
together with a symbol. Also, the governing equations are listed both in SI-units and
typical fluid power units. The typical fluid power units (FLP-units) as defined in this
note are listed in Table 6.1:
Table 6.1 SI-units and FLP-units

Symbol Description SI-units FLP-units
Q Flow m3 / s l / min
n Omdrejningstal o/ s o / min
D Fortrængning m3 / o cm 3 / o
M Moment Nm Nm
p Tryk N / m2 bar
F Kraft N N
v Hastighed m/ s m/ s
A Areal m2 mm 2
This yields the following basic equations for some of the most common components in
hydraulic systems. The pressure node is simply a volume of fluid without significant
pressure variations.
Table 6.2 Steady state equations for basic components

Equations Equations
Description Symbol
SI-units Hyd-units
Qn
n n
Pressure node Q1 ∑ Qi = 0 ∑ Qi = 0
i =1 i =1
Qi
n
n⋅D
Pump Q Q = n⋅D Q=
D 1000

pA
Q = n⋅D n⋅D
M n Q=
1000
Motor Q
D ⋅ ( p A − pB )
M=
D
pB 2 ⋅π M = 0.0159 ⋅ D ⋅ ( p A − pB )
F
Q1 = 0.06 ⋅ v ⋅ A1
Q2 Q1 = v ⋅ A1
pB
v Q2 = 0.06 ⋅ v ⋅ A2
Cylinder Q2 = v ⋅ A2
A2
p A ⋅ A1 − pB ⋅ A2
F = p A ⋅ A1 − pB ⋅ A2 F=
pA 10
A1
Q1
Q
2
Orifice Q = Cd ⋅ Ad ⋅ ⋅ ( p A − pB ) Q = 0.89 ⋅ C d ⋅ Ad ⋅ p A − p B
pA pB ρ
Cd Ad
Q
Q=0 p A ≤ pB Q=0 p A ≤ pB
Check valve
pA pB Q>0 p A = pB Q>0 p A = pB
kd
Q
Pressure relief Q=0 p A − p B ≤ pcr Q=0 p A − p B ≤ pcr

valve pA pB
Q>0 p A − p B = pcr Q>0 p A − p B = pcr
pcr
Q
Q0 Q0
2-way flow Q= ⋅ p A − pB p A − p B ≤ Δp 0 Q = ⋅ p A − pB p A − p B ≤ Δp 0
Δp 0 Δp 0
control valve pA pB Q = Q0 p A − p B > Δp 0 Q = Q0 p A − p B > Δp 0
Q0
Vg
p ⋅ V gn = p0 ⋅ V0n p ⋅ V gn = p0 ⋅ V0n
Accumulator
Vf Va = V f + V g = cst Va = V f + V g = cst
In the above a number of simplifications have been made. As an example efficiencies

are not included in the pump and actuator equations. Also, the spring of the check valve
is ignored, the slope of the pressure relief valve characteristic is not included. The 2-way
flow control valve is simplified to an orifice if the pressure drop is smaller than the
closing pressure of the spring of the main spool and to a perfect flow controller if the
pressure drop is above this value. All of these simplified models can, however, be
adjusted/ if so desired. As an example, consider the pressure relief valve and imagine

that the slope of the p-Q characteristics should be included. In that case the governing
equations simply change into:
Q=0 p A − p B ≤ pcr
p A − p B − pcr (6.1)
Q= p A − p B > pcr
α
⎡ pressure ⎤
where α ⎢ ⎥ is the slope of the p-Q characteristic of the valve. If the slope for
⎣ flow ⎦
some reason is not constant but varies significantly this may also be introduced. It is
simply a question of how detailed information is required at the current stage of the
design evaluation. In Table 6.2 only a few valves are shown, however, similar equations
may be set up for any type of valve.
The most important aspect of the governing equations for the valves in Table 6.2 are the
fact that there are at least/typically two modes of operation. Hence, a governing
equation exists for both modes and for each mode there is an inequality that must be
fulfilled in order for the mode to be active. In the following the choice of mode of
operation is referred to as the configuration parameter of the valve. For a pure steady
state analysis the configuration parameter of each valve must be chosen beforehand, i.e.,
it is necessary to make a number of qualified guesses. Only af choosing/guessing the
configuration parameter of each valve can the governing equations be formulated and
solved. After solving the equations each choice of configuration parameter must be
validated by checking wether the corresponding inequality is fulfilled. If not, the
configuration parameter must be changed and the analysis redone. Potentially, this leads
to 2 n possible different system configurations, where n is the number of valves with
two modes of operation. In practice, however, the mode of operation of most valves are
easily recognized for a given situation.
A step-wise approach for steady-state analysis of any hydraulic system can now be set
up:
1. Identify pressure nodes.
2. Identify the components that demarcate each pressure node.
3. Choose/guess configuration parameters for all components with more than one mode
of operation.
4. Set up equations:
a) Flow continuity for each pressure node.
b) Flow continuity for each pump and actuator.
c) Static equilibrium for each actuator.
d) Flow through restrictions (orifices, filters etc.).
e) Equations associated with the choise of configuration parameters.
f) Static equilibrium for spool and poppet valves.
5. Solve equations numerically.
6. Are the computed variables physically meaningful?
• Yes: Analysis completed.
• No: Have all combinations of configuration parameters been examined?
• Yes: Analysis cannot be carried out.
• No: Go to 3) and choose/guess configuration parameters differently.

As an example the hydraulic system shown in Figure 6.1 has been subjected to this type
of analysis. From the figure it is seen that a total number of 9 equations has been
established. In this case, there is a single component with two operation modes, namely
the pressure relief valve, and the guess is that the valve is closed. For a given system
with a known pump speed and a known output torque the 9 equations may be solved to
yield the 9 unknowns: p1..3 Q1..5 nm . Hence, pressure, flow and actuator speed are
the classical output of steady state analysis, however, it is also possible to prescribe the
motor speed and introduce the motor displacement as a variable thereby changing the
equation solving from pure analysis to component sizing. After solving the equations it
is necessary to examine that all pressures are non-negative and that the choice of
configuration parameter is correct. In this case this is simply done by ensuring that p1 is
smaller than pcr .
Q4
Q1 − Q2 − Q3 = 0 Mm
nm
Flow continuity, nodes
Q3 − Q4 = 0 Dm
Q4 − Q5 = 0
p2 p3
Flow continuity, Q1 − n p ⋅ D p = 0
pumps and actuators
Q4 − nm ⋅ Dm = 0
Q3 Q5
Actuator equilibrium
Dm ⋅ ( p2 − p3 ) C D AD
Mm − =0
2 ⋅π
Q2
p1
⋅ ( p1 − p2 ) = 0
2
Q3 − CD ⋅ AD ⋅
ρ
Q1
2
Restriction flow Q5 − CD ⋅ AD ⋅ ⋅ p3 = 0
ρ Dp pcr
np
pT ≈ 0
Operation mode / Q2 = 0
Configuration parameter
Figure 6.1. Hydraulic circuit and corresponding steady state equations.
Clearly, the number of equations might seem excessive, and the system of equations
could easily be reduced substantially by substituting the different expressions into each
other.
The set of equations are non-linear because of the orifice equations and therefore have
to be solved numerically, typically by means of Newton-Raphson iteration. Often the
numerical solver will have difficulties solving the equations simply because they are
formulated in SI-units. If this is the case then one should simply reformulate the
problem using FLP-units. Also, the numerical solver may encounter problems with the
orifice equation because the sign of the pressure drop may become negative during
iteration. This may be avoided by using the following formulation:

2
Q = C D ⋅ AD ⋅ SIGN ( p A − p B ) ⋅ ⋅ p A − pB
ρ
⎧ 1 x>0 (6.2)
⎪
SIGN ( x ) = ⎨ 0 x = 0
⎪− 1 x < 0
⎩
Also, numerical problems will be encountered if for some reason the correct solution
includes zero flow through an orifice. In that case the orifice equation must be replaced
with a restriction flow equation that reflects the laminar regime, i.e., Q ∝ Δp .
6.3 Dynamic Modeling and Simulation
Physically, dynamic simulation of a hydraulic system is mainly characterized by:

• acceleration of all mechanical parts
• compressible fluid
Dynamic simulation allows for a much more detailed investigation of the performance
of the hydraulic system, however, it does also require that further estimations of
especially system damping and oil stiffness in order to predict behavior correctly.
Steady state simulation corresponds to solving a set of algebraic equations whereas
dynamic simulation corresponds to solving a mixed set of differentials and algebraic
equations. The differential equations are time dependant, i.e., the problem is an initial
value problem, where the pressure in the pressure nodes, the volumes of the
accumulators and the position and velocity of all mechanical degrees of freedom must
be known at the start of simulation.
Most of the basic equations shown in Table 6.2 remain the same. Most notable is the
difference when considering flow continuity of a pressure node. If the fluid is
compressible then conservation of mass yields the following differential equation for a
volume of fluid = pressure node:
β ⋅ ( Q − V )
p = (6.3)
V
This equation gives the pressure gradient in a given volume of fluid, V. The net-flow
into the volume is Q (positive if flow enters the volume) and the time derivative of the
expansion (displacement flow) is V (positive if the volume is expanding). If this value
is positie at a certain time the pressure is going up and vice versa. The effective stiffness
of the fluid, which greatly depends on temperature, dissolved air, hosings and tubings, is
β. In this case we have a 1st-order differential equation and only one initial condition is
required, namely the initial pressure in the volume: p.
As an example consider the volume shown in Figure 6.2 which is bounded by 2
cylinders, 2 motors, 2 pumps and 2 orifices.

Aa 2
x1 x2
A p1
V p1 n p1 Vm1 nm1
V β p
V p2 n p2 Vm 2 nm 2
Cd 1 Ad 1 Cd 2 Ad 2
p1 < p p2 > p
Figure 6.2. A volume bounded by cylinders, motors, pumps and orifices.
The differential equations for the pressure gradient of this volume may be written using
Equation 6.3 with the following values for Q and V :
Q = − D p 1 ⋅ n p 1 + D p 2 ⋅ n p 2 + D m1 ⋅ n m1 − D m 2 ⋅ n m 2 −
⋅ ( p − p1 ) + C d 2 ⋅ Ad 2 ⋅ ⋅ ( p2 − p )
2 2
C d 1 ⋅ Ad 1 ⋅ (6.4)
ρ ρ
V = A p1 ⋅ x1 − Aa 2 ⋅ x 2
Just like a mechanical system typically contains more than one body a hydraulic system
will typically need to be modelled with several volumes. In a hydraulic system the
different volumes are typically separated by either: Pumps, motors, cylinders or orifices.
Displacement flows in volumes are typically caused by hydraulic cylinders or
accumulators. If we consider the steady state equations for an accumulator then the time
derivative yields a linear equation containing both the pressure and volume gradient:
p ⋅ V gn + n ⋅ p ⋅ V gn −1 ⋅ Vg = 0 & Vg + V f = 0

⇓
(6.5)
p
V f = ⋅ Vg
n⋅ p

In the above equation the polytropic exponent n depends on whether the
compression/decompression of the accumulator is predominantly adiabatic. In general
Equation (6.5) is a simplification because n may vary significantly, hence, care should
be taken in the modeling if the performance of the hydraulic system is very sensitive to
the value of n.
Equation (6.5) introduces another state variable, namely the fluid volume of the
accumulator. The initial fluid volume is readily derived from the total accumulator
volume (which is constant), the preload conditions and the current pressure:
1 1
⎛ p ⎞n ⎛ p ⎞n
V f = Va − ⎜⎜ 0 ⎟⎟ ⋅ V0 V g = ⎜⎜ 0 ⎟⎟ ⋅ V0 (6.6)
⎝ p ⎠ ⎝ p ⎠
Hence, if a volume is connected to an accumulator it has two states: the pressure and the
fluid volume of the accumulator and their gradients must be solved simultaneously
using Equations (6.3) and (6.5).
In general, a purely hydraulic system may be solved numerically in the following steps:
1. Identify all volumes in the system and set up the pressure build up equation for each
and identify all accumulators and set up the (Circuit diagrams useful here).
2. Identify all orifices and their dependancy on the motion of mechanical parts in
valves.
3. Determine initial pressure for each volume and initial fluid volume for each
accumulator.
4. Calculate pressure gradients for each volume and volume gradient for each
accumulator.
5. Calculate acceleration of all movable mechanical parts in valves.
6. Update pressure in each volume and volume of each accumulator.
7. Update position and velocity of all movable mechanical parts in valves.
8. If the analysis is not yet concluded then go back to 4.
Typically som mechanical bodies, cylinders or valves will be part of the system. This
means that their position and velocity must be updated simultaneously in order to update
volumes, orifice flows and net-flows into volumes for the next step.
As may readily be observed from Equation (6.7) the position and velocity of the
mechanical system is needed in order to do a dynamic simulation of the hydraulic
system. In fact, any type of dynamic simulation of a hydraulic system requires a
simultaneous dynamic simulation of the actuated mechanical system and, depending on
the level of detail, also of the movable mechanical parts within the hydraulic valves.
Hence, dynamic simulation of hydraulics is closely connected to dynamic simulation of
mechanics.
The mechanical system may, in general, be divided into a number of bodies. In the
planar case, the governing dynamic equations for a body are:
m ⋅ r = Σ F
(6.7)
J ⋅ θ = ΣM

In Equation (6.7) m is the mass and J is the mass moment of inertia with respect to the
mass center of the body. Furthermore, r is the coordinates of the mass center of the
body and θ is the rotation of the body, both measured relative to some reference
coordinate system. ∑ F is the sum of all the forces acting on the body, normally divided
into applied forces (gravity, springs, dampers, actuators, friction, wind resistance,
rolling resistance etc.) and reactive forces (connections with other bodies and ground).
∑ M is the sum of the force moment of ∑ F with respect to the mass center and all the
moments (force couples) acting on the body.
The dynamic equilibrium equations contain 3 scalar equations corresponding to the 3
degrees of freedom of a body. All of them are differential equations, and in general
needs to be solved numerically. Being 2nd order differential equations 2 initial
conditions is required for each coordinate, namely the initial position and initial
velocity:
r r θ θ
Knowing the positions and velocities of the bodies will typically also be necessary in
order to determine the resulting forces and moments, i.e., the right hand side of Equation
(6.7).
Alternatively, the steady state equations of the actuators, see Table 6.2, may be
generalized to take into account the dynamics of the mechanical system. For the motor a
simplified dynamic equation can be set up:
D ⋅ Δp M
J eff ⋅ θ = − M = M tM − M (6.8)
2 ⋅π
In Equation (6.8) the sign conventions are as follows: rotation of the shaft, θ (and its
time derivatives; θ and θ ), is defined as positive in the same direction as the
hydraulically generated torque on the shaft produced by a positive pressure drop across
the motor. The applied moment on the output shaft, M, is positive in the opposite
direction. The introduction of the hydro-mechanical efficiency, η´ hmM , should be done
with care. Normally, the hydromechanical efficiency is measured in a situation where
the motor is motoring, i.e., the direction of the applied moment is opposite to that of the
angular speed. In that case:
D ⋅ Δp M
J eff ⋅ θ = η hmM ⋅ −M (6.9)
2 ⋅π
However, if the motor is working as a pump, i.e., the direction of the applied moment is
in the same direction as that of the angular speed (negative load M<0) we get:
1 D ⋅ Δp M
J eff ⋅ θ = ⋅ −M (6.10)
η hmM 2 ⋅π
Note: in Equation (6.10) both Δp M and M have negative values.

The effective mass moment of inertia, J eff , and the applied moment, M, must be related
to the output shaft of the motor. In general, they are both functions of θ and θ and may

be determined from energy considerations. The applied moment may be computed as
follows:
− dWext
M= (6.11)
dθ
In Equation (6.11) Wext is the work done by the external forces/moments (gravity,
friction, rolling resistance etc.) on the mechanical system actuated by the motor.
The effective mass moment of inertia may be computed according to:
2 ⋅ E kin
J eff = (6.12)
θ 2
In Equation (6.12) E kin is the kinetic energy of the mechanical system.

Consider the system shown in Figure 6.3.
θ
θ i Jd r
i
M fric
Figure 6.3. A hydraulic motor is driving a winchdrum via a gearbox. The drum is connected to
a payload and is also subjected to a certain rotational friction.
For an infinitesimal rotation of the motor shaft the work done on the system by the
external loading can be computed and, subsequently, the moment applied to the output
shaft of the motor:
dθ dθ
Wext = − m ⋅ g ⋅ dy − M fric ⋅ dθ d = − m ⋅ g ⋅ r ⋅ − M fric ⋅
i i
⇓ (6.13)
m ⋅ g ⋅ r + M fric
M=
i
The effecitve mass moment of inertia may be computed as:

2 2
1 1 1 ⎛ θ ⎞ 1 ⎛ θ ⎞
E kin = ⋅ J d ⋅ θd2 + ⋅ m ⋅ v 2 = ⋅ J d ⋅ ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ + ⋅ m ⋅ ⎜⎜´ r ⋅ ⎟⎟
2 2 2 ⎝i⎠ 2 ⎝ i⎠
⇓ (6.14)
J m⋅r2
J eff = d +
i2 i2
Notice, that the mass moment of inertia of the motor rotor and the gearbox have been
neglected. Because of the high torque pr. volume ratio of hydraulic motors neglecting
the inertia of the motor rotor and the gearbox is normally a reasonable assumption.
Next, consider the system shown in Figure 6.4. It is a four-wheel drive vehicle subjected
to a total rolling resistance of FR , and propelled by a hydraulic motor via a geared chain
z2
drive i = . Due to symmetry the vehicle is modeled as a planar system.
z1
mv z1
m wh J wh
rwh FR
z2 2
ϕ
FR
2
Figure 6.4. A four-wheel drive vehicle propelled up an incline by a hydraulic motor is shown.
Power is transmitted from the motor to the wheels via chain drives.
As in the previous example a infinitesimal rotation of the motor is used to determine the
moment applied to the output shaft of the motor:
dθ
Wext = −( mv + 2 ⋅ m wh ) ⋅ g ⋅ dy − FR ⋅ ds = −( mv + 2 ⋅ m wh ) ⋅ g ⋅ rwh ⋅ ⋅ sin ϕ − FR ⋅
i
⇓
(6.15)
r ⋅ {FR + ( mv + 2 ⋅ m wh ) ⋅ g ⋅ sin ϕ }
M = wh
i
The effecitve mass moment of inertia may be computed as:

2
1 1 ⎛ θ ⎞ 1 ⎛
E kin = 2 ⋅ ⋅ J wh ⋅ θwh
2
+ ⋅ ( 2 ⋅ m wh + mv ) ⋅ v 2 = J wh ⋅ ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ + ⋅ ( 2 ⋅ m wh + mv ) ⋅ ⎜⎜
2 2 ⎝i⎠ 2 ⎝
⇓
(6.16)
2 ⋅ J wh ( 2 ⋅ m wh + mv ) ⋅ rwh
2
J eff = +
i2 i2
Having determined the effective mass moment of inertia it is possible to compute the
eigenfrequency of the hydraulic-mechanical system composed of the lines to and from
the motor, the motor and the mechanical system represented by the effective mass
moment of inertia:
kθ
ωn =
J eff
(6.17)
β ⋅ D2
kθ =
π 2 ⋅ (D + V L )
In Equation (6.17) V L is simply the total volume of the fluid lines leading up to the
motor and away from it.
Similar to that of the motor a simplified dynamic equation can be set up for the cylinder:
meff ⋅ x = A ⋅ ( p1 − ϕ ⋅ p 2 ) − F = FtC − F (6.18)
In Equation (6.18) the sign conventions are as follows: piston travel, x (and its time
derivatives; x and x ), is defined as positive when the cylinder is extracting. The applied
force on the piston, F, is positive in the opposite direction. As in the case of the motor
the introduction of the hydro-mechanical efficiency, η´ hmC , should be done with care.
Equation (2.47) is used in its general form to get an expression for the friction force as a
function of the hydromechanical efficiency:
FC FtC − FmC F
η hmC = = = 1.0 − mC ⇒ FmC = ( 1 − η hmC ) ⋅ FtC (6.19)
FtC FtC FtC
If the cylinder is extracting the theoretical cylinder force is defined as

FtC = A ⋅ ( p1 − ϕ ⋅ p 2 ) , see Equation (2.43). If the piston is pushing against a load we
have:
FtC = FtC ⇒ FmC = ( 1 − η hmC ) ⋅ FtC = ( 1 − η hmC ) ⋅ A ⋅ ( p1 − ϕ ⋅ p 2 )
⇓ (6.20)
meff ⋅ x = FtC − FmC − F = η hmC ⋅ A ⋅ ( p1 − ϕ ⋅ p 2 ) − F
If the cylinder is extracting and is pulled by the load we have:

FtC = − FtC ⇒ FmC = −( 1 − η hmC ) ⋅ FtC = −( 1 − η hmC ) ⋅ A ⋅ ( p1 − ϕ ⋅ p 2 )
⇓ (6.21)
meff ⋅ x = FtC − FmC − F = (2 − η hmC ) ⋅ A ⋅ ( p1 − ϕ ⋅ p 2 ) − F
Note that in Equation (6.21) both FtC = A ⋅ ( p1 − ϕ ⋅ p 2 ) and F have negative values.
If the cylinder is retracting the theoretical cylinder force is defined as
FtC = A ⋅ (ϕ ⋅ p 2 − p1 ) , see Equation (2.44). If the cylinder is pulling a load we have:
FtC = FtC ⇒ FmC = ( 1 − η hmC ) ⋅ FtC = ( 1 − η hmC ) ⋅ A ⋅ (ϕ ⋅ p 2 − p1 )

⇓ (6.22)
meff ⋅ x = − FtC + FmC − F = −η hmC ⋅ A ⋅ (ϕ ⋅ p 2 − p1 ) − F
Note that in Equation (6.22) FtC = A ⋅ (ϕ ⋅ p 2 − p1 ) has a positive value whereas F has a
negative value.
If the cylinder is retracting and is pushed by the load we have:
FtC = − FtC ⇒ FmC = −( 1 − η hmC ) ⋅ FtC = −( 1 − η hmC ) ⋅ A ⋅ (ϕ ⋅ p 2 − p1 )

⇓ (6.23)
meff ⋅ x = − FtC + FmC − F = −( 2 − η hmC ) ⋅ A ⋅ (ϕ ⋅ p 2 − p1 ) − F
Note that in Equation (6.23) FtC = A ⋅ (ϕ ⋅ p 2 − p1 ) has a negative value and F has a
positive value.
The effective mass, meff , and the applied force, F, must be related to the piston of the
cylinder. In general, they are both functions of x and x and may, similar to the values
associated with the motor, be determined from energy considerations. The applied force
may be computed as follows:
− dWext
F= (6.24)
dx
The effective mass may be computed according to:
2 ⋅ E kin
meff = (6.25)
x 2
As an example consider the system shown in Figure 6.5.

m
L AC ⋅ θ
m
L
rm
A
x
γ
L AC
θ0
θ
C
A
ϕ
B
Figure 6.5. A hydraulic cylinder is rotating an arm with a payload at the end.
For a infinitesimal extraction of the cylinder the work done on the system by the
external loading can be computed and, subsequently, the force applied to the cylinder
piston:
Wext = −m ⋅ g ⋅ dy m = −m ⋅ g ⋅ Lm ⋅ cos θ ⋅ dθ
⇓
θ θ L ⋅ cos θ
F = m ⋅ g ⋅ Lm ⋅ cos θ ⋅ = m ⋅ g ⋅ Lm ⋅ cos θ ⋅ =m⋅g ⋅ m (6.26)
x L AC
⋅ θ ⋅ cos γ L AC ⋅ cos γ
π ⎛ yC − y B ⎞
γ = θ − θ0 + −ϕ ϕ = tg −1 ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
2 ⎝ xC − x B ⎠
In Equation (6.26) it is utilized that the arm and the piston must have the same absolute
velocity in point C.
The effective mass may be computed as:
2
⎛ ⎞
1 1 2 1
( )
E kin = ⋅ m ⋅ v 2 = ⋅ m ⋅ Lm ⋅ θ = ⋅ m ⋅ L2m ⋅ ⎜⎜
x
⎟⎟
2 2 2 ⎝ L AC ⋅ cos γ ⎠
⇓ (6.27)
2
⎛ Lm ⎞
meff = m ⋅ ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
⎝ L AC ⋅ cos γ ⎠

Having determined the effective mass it is possible to compute the eigenfrequency of
the hydraulic-mechanical system composed of the lines to and from the cylinder, the
cylinder and the mechanical system represented by the effective mass:
k
ωn =
meff
(6.28)
β ⋅ A2 β ⋅ (ϕ ⋅ A)2
k= +
V1 V2
In Equation (6.28) V1 and V2 are simply the total volume of the fluid leading up to the
cylinder piston side and to the cylinder rod side, respectively. This include the volume
in the lines as well as the volume in the cylinder. Hence, in general the volumes are
functions of the piston position.
6.4 Numerical solution
The actual solving of the coupled set of differential and algebraic equations can be
performed in several ways. Today, a several software packages exist that allow for
relatively fast and easy modeling and simulation of physical systems. The packages may
vary with respect to modeling concepts and solver algorithms, however, the
fundamentals remain the same and in the following the basic architecture of the
numerical simulation of hydraulic-mechanical systems is presented.
As described in the previous chapter the state variables must be initialized. Normally,
that include:
[
X= p Vf x x θ θ ] (6.29)
Here, X is an algebraic vector of state variables consisting of all volume pressures, all
accumulator fluid volumes, all cylinder positions and velocities and all motor angular
positions and angular velocities.
Based on the state variables Equations (6.3), (6.5), (6.8) and (6.18) may be set up to
yield a linear set of equations:
M ( X ) ⋅ X = Y ( X ) ⇒ X = M −1Y (6.30)
Setting up the coefficient matrix M ( X ) and the right hand side Y ( X ) is done by
solving the algebraic equations, i.e., the steady state equations of components where the
dynamic properties may be ignored.
Often, the equations are not coupled very closely meaning that inverting the coefficient
matrix M ( X ) can be avoided or divided into the inversion of smaller sub matrices.
Having computed the time derivative of the state variables the next step is the time
integration. The simplest way of doing this is by means of a so-called forward-Euler:

t ( new ) = t + dt
(6.31)
X ( new ) = X + X ⋅ dt
As an example let us consider the hydraulic system shown in Figure 6.6 (see also
ate analysis and Figure 6.1) and set up the combined set of differential and algebraic
equations.
M nM
p 1 =
β
V1
(
⋅ Q1 − Q3 − Q2 − V f ) DM
β β p3 V3 β
p 2 = ⋅ (Q3 − Q4 ) p 3 = ⋅ (Q4 − Q5 ) p2 V2 β Q4
V2 V3
Cd Ad
Q3 Q5
Q1 = nP ⋅ DP Q4 = nM ⋅ DM p0 V0 n
p1 V1 β
D ⋅ ( p 2 − p3 ) Q2
J eff ⋅ θ = M −M Vf
2 ⋅π
⋅ ( p1 − p2 )
2 2 Q1
Q3 = Cd ⋅ Ad ⋅ Q5 = Cd ⋅ Ad ⋅ ⋅ p3
ρ ρ n P DP
1
Vg ⎛ p ⎞n
V f = ⋅ p 1 Vg = ⎜⎜ 0 ⎟⎟ ⋅ V0 Q2 = 0
n ⋅ p1 ⎝ p1 ⎠
Figure 6.6. Hydraulic circuit and corresponding set of differential and algebraic equations.
One important result from doing dynamic time domain simulation is that the operation
mode is no longer a guess, now it can be evaluated directly from the state variables. In
this case since we have access to p1 we simply compare it with the crack pressure of
the pressure relief valve.
In order to run a simulation obviously some input must be prescribed in time. Typically,
this can be the load on the motor output shaft, the motion of the directional control valve
and the angular speed of the pump.
----- oo 0 oo -----

APPENDIX
Hydraulic Fluids
A.1 Introduction...................................................................... 1
A.2 Fluid density……………………………………………. 2
Fundamental A.3 Viscosity………………………………………………… 3

Hydraulics 7
A.4 Dissolvability……………………………………………
A.5 Stiffness…………………………………………………. 7
A.1 Introduction
The main purpose of the hydraulic fluid is to transport energy from the pump to the
actuators. Secondary purposes involve the lubrication of the moving mechanical parts to
reduce wear, noise and frictional losses, protecting the hydraulic components against
corrosion and transporting heat away from its sources. The preferred working fluid in
most applications is mineral oil, although in certain applications there is a requirement
for water-based fluids. Water-based fluids and high water-based fluids provide fire
resistance at a lower cost and have the advantage of relative ease of fluid storage and
disposal. The recommended classification system is as follows:
HFA – dilute emulsions, i.e. oil-in-water emulsions, typically with 95% water content.
HFB – Invert emulsions, i.e. water-in-oil emulsions, typically with 40% water content.
HFC – Aqueous glycols, i.e. solutions of glycol and polyglycol in water, typically with
40% water content.
HFD – Synthetic fluids containing no water, such as silicone and silicote esters.
The selection of the appropriate fluid will require specialist advice from both the
component manufacturer and the fluid manufacturer.
The most commonly used hydraulic fluid is mineral oil and in the following sections it
is the physical properties of commercial mineral oils that is discussed.
The purpose of this appendix is to define certain physical properties which will prove
useful and to discuss properties related to the nature of fluids. Because the fluid is the
medium of transmission of power in a hydraulic system, knowledge of its characteristics
is essential.
Hydraulic Fluids Page 1 of 11

A.2 Fluid density
The mass density, ρ , of a hydraulic fluid is defined as a given mass divided by its
volume, see Equation (A.1).
m
ρ= (A.1)
V
where
ρ mass density [kg / m 3 ]
m mass of the fluid [ kg ]
V volume of the fluid [m 3 ]
The mass density is both temperature and pressure dependant. It decreases with
increasing temperature but increases with increasing pressure. A generally accepted
empirical expression, the Dow and Fink equation, describes this:
(
ρ(t , p ) = ρ 0 ( t ) ⋅ 1.0 + A β (t ) ⋅ p − Bβ (t ) ⋅ p 2 ) (A.2)
where
ρ mass density [kg / m 3 ]
ρ0 mass density at atmospheric pressure [kg / m 3 ]
Aβ temperature dependant coefficient [bar −1 ]
Bβ temperature dependant coefficient [bar −2 ]
p pressure [ bar ]
The density of a hydraulic fluid is normally (DIN 51757) given by the fluid
manufacturer as the density at 15 o C and atmospheric pressure. This reference density
lies between 0.85 and 0.91 g / cm 3 (850-910 kg / m 3 ) for commercial hydraulic fluids.
The reference mass density in Equation (A.2) may be determined by:
ρ15
ρ 0 (t) =
(1 + α t ⋅ (t − 15)) (A.3)
where
ρ0 mass density at atmospheric pressure [kg / m 3 ]
ρ15 mass density at atmospheric pressure and 15 o C [kg / m 3 ]
αt thermal expansion coefficient [deg −1 ]
t temperature [ o C]
The thermal expansion coefficient is normally regarded as independent of temperature

and pressure and lies within the range of 0.0065 to 0.007 deg-1.
The two coefficients in Equation (A.2) are normally referred to as the Dow and Fink
coefficients. They have experimentally been found to:
(
A β = − 6.72 ⋅ 10 −4 ⋅ T 2 + 0.53 ⋅ T − 36.02 ⋅ 10 −6 ) (A.4)
Bβ = (2.84 ⋅ 10 −4
⋅ T − 0.24 ⋅ T + 57.17 ⋅ 10
2
) −9
(A.5)
where

Aβ temperature dependant coefficient [bar −1 ]
Bβ temperature dependant coefficient [bar −2 ]
T absolute temperature [ K ]
The variation of the Dow and Fink coefficients with temperature is displayed
graphically in Figure A1
Aβ ⋅ 105 bar−1 Bβ ⋅ 109 bar−2
68 17
Aβ
66 16
64 15
62 14
60 13
58 Bβ 12
56 11
54 10
52 9
50 8
-20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120
t 0C[ ]
Fig. A1 The variation of the Dow and Fink coefficients with temperature
Inserting Equations (A.3)..(A.5) in Equation (A.2) means that the density can be
determined by calculations only (no measurements), for any pressure and temperature
combination, as long as the reference mass density, ρ15, is known. The variation of the
mass density with temperature and pressure is displayed graphically in Figure A2. The
mass density is displayed relative to the reference mass density.
A.3 Viscosity
The most important of the physical properties of hydraulic fluids is the viscosity. It is a
measure of the resistance of the fluid towards laminar (shearing) motion, and is
normally specified to lie within a certain interval for hydraulic components in order to
obtain the expected performance and lifetime. The definition of viscosities is related to
the shearing stress that appears between adjacent layers, when forced to move relative
(laminarly) to each other. For a newtonian fluid this shearing stress is defined as:
dx&
τ xy = μ (A.6)
dy
where
τxy shearing stress in the fluid, [N/m2]
μ dynamic viscosity, [Ns/m2]
x& velocity of the fluid, [m/s]
y coordinate perpendicular to the fluid velocity, [m]

ρ
ρ 15
1.4
1.2
0 °C
1 20 °C
40 °C
0.8 60 °C
80 °C
100 °C
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
p [bar]
Fig. A2 The variation of the mass density with temperature and pressure
In Figure A3 the variables associated with the definition of the dynamic viscosity are
shown.
x = x(y) τxy
dy
τ xy dx
fluid
x
Fig. A3 Shearing stresses in a fluid element
The usual units for the dynamic viscosity are P for Poise or cP for centipoise. Their
relation to the SI-units is as follows: 1 P = 100 cP = 0.1 Ns / m 2 . For practical purposes,
however, the dynamic viscosity is seldom used, as compared to the kinematic viscosity
that is defined as follows:
μ
ν= (A.7)
ρ
where
ν kinematic viscosity, [m2/s]
ρ density, [kg/m3]
The usual unit used for ν is centistoke, cSt, and it relates to the SI units as follows:

m2 mm 2
1 cSt = 10 −6 =1
s s
A low viscosity corresponds to a "thin" fluid and a high viscosity corresponds to a

"thick" fluid. The viscosity depends strongly on temperature and also on pressure. The
temperature dependency is complex and is normally, DIN51562 and DIN51563
described by the empirical Uddebuhle-Walther equation:
log10 log10 (ν + 0.8) = C ν − m ν ⋅ log10 t a (A.8)

where
ν kinematic viscosity, [cSt]
Cν,mν constants for the specific fluid
ta absolute temperature, [K]
This dependency is normally shown in specially designed charts, where the kinematic
viscosity shown as function of the temperature becomes a straight line, see Figure A4.
ν [cSt]
5000
2000
1000
500
300
200
150
100
80
60
50
40
30
25
20
16
12 ISO VG 100
10
ISO VG 68
8
7 ISO VG 46
6 ISO VG 32
5
ISO VG 22
4
3.5
ISO VG 10
3
2.7
-50 -40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 120
t [°C]
Fig. A4 Uddebuhle-chart: The temperature dependency for some of the most commonly used
mineral oils. The ISO VG standard refers ν at 40°C
The vertical axis of an Uddebuhle chart is a mapping of log log(ν+0.8), i.e.,

approximately a double logarithmic axis (especially at higher values of ν). The
horizontal axis is a mapping of logT, i.e., a logarithmic axis. A hydraulic fluid is, in
general, referred to by its kinematic viscosity at 40°C.

A different way of describing a hydraulic fluid is by means of the viscosity index,
where the temperature dependency is related to a temperature sensitive fluid and a
temperature insensitive fluid. The hydraulic fluid to be indexed and the 2 reference oils
must have the same viscosity at a temperature of 210°F. If that is fulfilled, the viscosity
index, V.I., may be determined as:
L−U
VI = ⋅ 100% (A.9)
L−H
where
VI viscosity index
L kinematic viscosity at 100°F for the temperature sensitive fluid
U kinematic viscosity at 100°F for the fluid to be indexed
H kinematic viscosity at 100°F for the temperature insensitive fluid
Different standards, e.g. DIN ISO 2909, offer a list of reference fluids with different
kinematic viscosities at 210°F to pick from. The method dates back to 1929 and the
improvement in mineral oil distillation and refining means that many hydraulic fluids
come out with an index above 100.
Beside the temperature dependency the viscosity also depends on pressure, especially at
higher levels. The general accepted expression is as follows:
μ = μ0 ⋅ e
Bη p
(A.10)
where
μ0 dynamic viscosity at atmospheric pressure [Ns/m2]
BηB temperature dependant parameter, [bar-1]
p pressure, [bar]
The parameter Bη may, within temperature ranges from 20°C to 100°C, be determined
empirically as:
B η = 0.0026 − 10 5 ⋅ t (A.11)
where
t temperature, [°C]
The pressure dependency may be rewritten to cover kinematics viscosities:
μ 0 Bηp
ν= ⋅e (A.12)
ρ
where
ν kinematic viscosity, [m2/s]
μ0 dynamic viscosity at atmospheric pressure [Ns/m2]
ρ density, [kg/m3]
p the pressure, [bar]

In the above it should be remembered that the density increases with pressure, thereby
making the kinematic viscosity less sensitive to pressure rise.
A.4 Dissolvability
The capability of dissolving air (saturation point) varies strongly for hydraulic fluids
with pressure. For pressure levels up to approximately 300 bar, the Henry-Dalton
sentence applies:
pa
Va = α V ⋅ VF ⋅ (A.13)
p atm
where
Va volume of dissolved air in the oil, [m3]
αV Bunsen coefficient, approximately constant at 0.09
VF volume of the fluid at atmospheric pressure, [m3]
pa absolute pressure, [bar]
patm atmospheric pressure ≈ 1 bar, [bar]
The capability of hydraulic fluids to absorb air is a problem, because the subsequent
release of air at lower pressures leads to reduced fluid stiffness.
A.5 Stiffness
When pressurized a hydraulic fluid is compressed causing an increase in density. This is

described by means of the compressibility which is defined as
1 ∂ρ
κF = ⋅ (A.14)
ρ ∂p
where
κF compressibility of the fluid, [bar-1]
ρ mass density, [kg/m3]
p pressure, [bar]
The reciprocal of κF is defined as the stiffness or bulk modulus of the fluid:
1
βF = (A.15)
κF
where
κF compressibility, [bar-1]
βF bulk modulus, [bar]
Based on the above definition it can be shown that for fixed temperature the stiffness is
proportional to the pressure rise caused by a compression of the fluid:

β F ⋅ dV
dp = (A.16)
V0
where
dp increase in pressure, [bar]
βF bulk modulus of the fluid, [bar]
dV the compression, i.e., decrease in volume, [m3]
V0 the volume corresponding to the initial pressure, [m3]
Just like density the bulk modulus and the compressibility are functions of temperature
and pressure. Inserting Equation (A.2) in Equation (A.14) and Equation (A.15) leads to:
1.0 + A β (t ) ⋅ p − Bβ (t ) ⋅ p 2
β F (t , p ) = (A.17)
A β (t ) − 2 ⋅ B β ( t ) ⋅ p
where
βF stiffness of the fluid, [bar]
Aβ temperature dependant coefficient, [bar-1]
p pressure, [bar]
Bβ B a temperature dependant coefficient, [bar-2]
Where the temperature dependant coefficients can be determined from Equation (A.4)
and Equation (A.5). It should be noted that Equation (A.17) implies that the fluid
stiffness may be calculated for any temperature and pressure combination regardless of
the specific type of mineral oil. The variation of the fluid stiffness with temperature and
pressure is displayed graphically in Figure A5.
β F [bar ]
32000
30000 0 °C
28000
20 °C
26000
24000 40 °C
22000 60 °C
80 °C
20000 100 °C
18000
16000
14000
12000
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
p [bar]
Fig. A5 The variation of the fluid stiffness with temperature and pressure
In real systems air will be present in the fluid. The volume percentage at atmospheric
pressure will go as high as 20 %. As air is much more compressible than the pure fluid
it has, potentially, a strong influence on the effective stiffness of the air containing fluid.

If the air, however, is dissolved in the fluid there is no significant effect on the
compressibility. Hence, it is the amount of free or entrapped air in the fluid that
markedly reduces the effective stiffness. Taking the presence of air into account the
effective stiffness of the fluid becomes:
β eff (t , p, ε A ) =
1 1
≈
1 ⎛ 1 1 ⎞ 1 εA (A.18)
+ ε A ⎜⎜ − ⎟⎟ +
βF β
⎝ A β F ⎠
β F βA
where
βeff effective stiffness of the fluid-air mixture, [bar]
εA the volumetric ratio of free air in the fluid
βF stiffness of the pure fluid according to, [bar]
βA the air stiffness according to, [bar]
p pressure, [bar]
The volumetric ratio is defined as:
VA
εA = (A.19)
VF + VA
where
εA volumetric ratio of free air in the fluid
VA the volume of air, [m3]
VF volume of the fluid, [m3]
Assuming adiabatic conditions the volume and stiffness of the air may be determined
as:
1
⎛p ⎞ cad
VA = VA 0 ⋅ ⎜⎜ atm ⎟⎟ (A.20)
⎝ pa ⎠
β A = c ad ⋅ p a (A.21)
where
VA volume of air, [m3]
VA0 volume of air at atmospheric pressure, [m3]
patm atmospheric pressure ≈ 1 bar, [bar]
pa absolute pressure, [bar]
cad adiabatic constant for air, 1.4
The volume of the fluid is determined from:
ρ 0 (t 0 )
VF (t , p ) = VF0 ⋅ (A.22)
ρ(t , p )
where
VF volume of the fluid, [m3]

VF0 volume of the fluid at atmospheric pressure and a reference
temperature, [m3]
ρ0 mass density at atmospheric pressure according to Equation
(2.3), [kg/m3]
ρ the mass density according to Equation (2.2), [kg/m3]
t0 reference temperature, [°C]
t temperature, [°C]
p pressure, [bar]
From Equation (A.20) and Equation (A.22) it is clear, that the volumetric ratio varies
with both temperature and pressure. A reference volumetric ratio at atmospheric
pressure is defined:
VA 0
ε A0 = (A.23)
VF0 + VA 0
where
ε A0 the reference volumetric ratio of free air in the fluid at
atmospheric pressure
VA0 volume of air at atmospheric pressure, [m3]
VF0 volume of the fluid at atmospheric pressure and a reference
temperature, [m3]
Knowing this reference, volumetric ratio together with the reference temperature, t0,
may be rearranged to yield an expression for the volumetric ratio directly obtainable
from temperature and pressure:
ε A (t , p ) =
1.0
−1
⎛ 1.0 − ε A 0 ⎞ ρ 0 (t 0 ) ⎛ p atm ⎞ cad (A.24)
⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ ⋅ ⋅ ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ + 1.0
⎝ ε A 0 ⎠ ρ(t , p ) ⎝ p a ⎠
In Figure A6 the variation of the effective stiffness according to Equation (A.18) is

displayed. The variation of the stiffness is dramatic for small pressure levels. The curves
in Fig. A6 do not take into account the effect of the Henry-Dalton sentence, Equation
(A.13), according to which the free air should dissolve at a few bars pressure and
subsequently have no effect on the effective stiffness. The Henry-Dalton sentence,
however, is for static conditions and in a hydraulic system the pressure variations
outside the tank reservoirs are typically so fast, that the hydraulic fluid does not have
time to dissolve the free air. Naturally, some air is dissolved, meaning that the curves
shown in Fig. A6 represents worst case, i.e., instantaneously pressure build up.
Stiffness plays a central role w.r.t. to dynamic performance of hydraulic systems and
should be determined/predicted as precisely as possible. This is, however, not an easy
task. The sum VF0+VA0 in Equation (A.23) is relatively easily determined, whereas VF0
or VA0 are more elusive.
As a rule of thumb, the stiffness under working conditions used for modelling a system
should not be set above 10000 bar, unless verified by means of testing.

β eff [ bar ]
20000
18000
ε A0 = 0
16000
14000
12000
ε A0 = 0.1
10000
ε A0 = 0.05
8000
ε A0 = 0.02
ε A0 = 0.01
6000 ε A0 = 0.005
4000
2000
0
0 20 40 60 80 100
p [bar]
Fig. A6 Variation of effective stiffness of fluid-air mixture with respect to pressure and
volume ratio of free air at atmospheric pressure. The temperature of the fluid is 40 °C and the
compression of the free air is assumed adiabatic
-----oo0oo-----

UNITS
FORCE : “F” 1 daN = 10 N = 1.02 kp (1 kp = 9.81 N)
PRESSURE : “p” 1 bar = 10 5 N / m 2 = 10 5 Pa = 1.02 kp / cm 2 = 14.5 Psi
POWER : “P” 1 kW = 1.36 hp (PS) (horsepower)
TORQUE : “M” 10 Nm = 1.02 kpm
FLOW : “Q” units ( m 3 / s, l/min, l/s, cm 3 / s )
1000
1 m 3 / s = 1⋅ l/min = 60000 l/min
1 / 60
VISCOSITY : “ μ ” Dynamic viscosity
1 bar⋅sec = 10 5 Ns / m 2 = 10 6 P (Poise) = 108 cP
: ”ν ” Kinematic viscosity
1 m 2 / s = 10 6 mm 2 / s = 10 6 cSt (centistokes)
(1 cSt = 1 mm 2 / s )
Dynamic and kinematic viscosity are related by: ν = μ / ρ
Page 1 of 5
STEADY STATE ANALYSIS OF PUMPS AND MOTORS
PUMP
Pump flow delivered: QP = QtPηvP = 2π nP DωηvP

M tP QtP ΔpP D Δp
Input torque: M P = = = ω P
ηhmP 2πnPηhmP ηhmP
2πn P Dω Δp P QtP Δp P QP Δp P
Input power: PPS → P = M P 2πn P = = =
η hmP η hmP ηP
Power delivered: PP→F = QP ΔpP = PPS →Pη P ”η P = η vP ⋅η hmP ”
QP Q QlP
Volumetric efficiency: QP = QtP − QlP ; ηvP = = 1 − lP = 1 −
QtP QtP 2πnDω
Hydro-mechanical M tP M tP Dω Δp P
M P = M tP + M mP ; η hmP = = =
efficiency MP M tP + M mP Dω ΔpP + M mP
MOTOR
Motor flow demand : QM = QtM /ηvM = 2π nM Dω /ηvM

QtM ΔpM
Output torque: M M = M tMηhmM = ηhmM = Dω ΔpMηhmM
2πn
2πn M M M QtM Δp M
Power supplied to motor: PF → M = QM Δp M = =
ηM η vM
Power delivered: PM → L = 2πn M M M = Ptil ,M η M = QM Δp M η M “ η M = η vM ⋅ η hmM ”
Volumetric efficiency
QtM QtM 2πnDω
Q M = QtM + QlM ; ηvM = = =
QM QtM + QlM 2πnDω + QlM
Hydro- MM M M mM
M M = M tM − M mM ; ηhmM = = 1 − mM = 1 −
mechanical M tM M tM Dω ΔpM
efficiency
CYLINDER
Q1 Q2
Piston velocity: V1 = = ; ηvC = 1
A1 A2
A2 F1 V1
⎧ p2 ⋅ A2 A1
⎪⎪ F1 = p1 ⋅ A1 ⋅η hmC1 − η
F2 V2
⎨
hmC 2
Piston force:
p1 ⋅ A1
⎪ F2 = p2 ⋅ A2 ⋅η hmC 2 − ; ( p2 >> p1 ) Q1 Q2
⎩⎪ η hmC1
F1 ⋅V1
Efficiency: ηC =
Q1 ⋅ p1 − Q2 ⋅ p2
Page 2 of 5
PRESSURE LOSSES
LOCAL PRESSURE DROPS (FITTINGS)
ρ oil
Δp = ξ ⋅ ⋅ V fitting
2
; ξ cataloque data
2
PIPELINES
Suction line: Vpipe = 0.5 → 2 m/s
2
L pipe V
Δp = λ ⋅ ⋅ ρ oil ⋅
pipe
d pipe 2
; Return line: Vpipe = 1 → 3 m/s
Delivery line: Vpipe = 3 → 8 m/s

----------------
Laminar or turbulent flow is determined by
Reynold’s number (Re).
V pipe ⋅ d pipe
Re = ; μ = ρ oil ⋅ν kin
ν kin
1
Re > 2300 ; λ = 0.3164 ⋅
Re 0.25
64 Laminar Turbulent
Re < 2300 ; λ=
Re
VALVES
p
The flow-pressure relation is estimated
from the orifice equation and cataloque
data
2
Q = Cd ⋅ A ⋅ ⋅ Δp
ρ Q
⋅ V 2 ⋅ (∑ ξ i + λ ⋅ ∑ i ) + ∑ Δpcataloque
ρ l
OVERALL LOSSES ∑ Δp losses =
2 d
LAMINAR FLOW
1 π ⋅ d pipe ⋅ Δp
4
Pipelines (Hagen-Poiseuille): Q= ⋅ (L is the length of the pipe)

128 μ ⋅ L pipe
1 h3 ⋅ b ⋅ Δp
Parallel surfaces: Q = ⋅ (h is distance between surfaces and b is the width)
12 μ ⋅ L pipe
Page 3 of 5
OVERRUNNING LOADS
OVERRUNNING LOAD
APPLICATION
(2:1 VALVE)
M Q1
AR p
AP 1
pp
DIRECTION p2 p
3 M
p2
p p AR
1 2
p Q2
2
pp Q1 Q2 AP
p
4 =0
p3 p 4 =0
( 2 × Q2 ) 2 F Q22 F
pP 2
− pP −
p2 =
Q1 AR ( 2 × Q1 ) 2
AP
PRESSURE AT p 2 2 p2 =
Ap ⎛ 2 × Q2 ⎞ AR Q2 2
+ ⎜⎜ ⎟ +
AR ⎝ Q1 ⎟⎠ AP ( 2 × Q1 ) 2
F + p 2 AP F + p 2 AR
PRESSURE AT p 3 p3 = p3 =
AR AP
PRESSURE DROP Δp1 = p P − p 2 Δp1 = p P − p 2

ACROSS VALVE Δp 2 = p 3 Δp 2 = p 3
OVERRUNNING LOAD
APPLICATION
(1:1 VALVE)
Q22 F Q22 F
pP 2 − pP −
Q1 AR Q12
AP
PRESSURE AT p 2 p2 = 2 p2 =
Ap ⎛Q ⎞ AR Q22
+ ⎜⎜ 2 ⎟⎟ +
AR ⎝ Q1 ⎠ AP Q12
F + p 2 AP F + p 2 AR
AR AP

Page 4 of 5
RESISTIVE LOADS
RESISTIVE LOAD
APPLICATION
(2:1 VALVE)
AR AR
AP AP
M M
p2 p p3 p2
3
DIRECTION p
1
p
2
p2 p1
pp Q1 Q2 Q2 pp Q1
p =0 p =0
4 4
F F
pP − pP −
Ap AR
AR ⎛ Q1 ⎞
2 AP ( 2 × Q1 ) 2
+⎜ ⎟ +
AP ⎜⎝ 2 × Q2 ⎟⎠ AR Q22
F + p 3 AR F + p 3 AP
AP AR

RESISTIVE LOAD
APPLICATION
(1:1 VALVE)
F F
pP − pP −
AP AR
AR ⎛ Q1 ⎞
2
AP Q12
+⎜ ⎟ +
AP ⎜⎝ Q2 ⎟⎠ AR Q22
F + p 2 AR F + p 2 AP
AP AR

Page 5 of 5
Problems and Solutions
V3
V1 V2
C1 C2
D1 D2
Z1 Z2
V4
V5
LS
Fluid Power Circuits

System Design and Analysis
FLUID MECHANICS
PROBLEM 1.1
There are given the following data for a hydraulic pipeline.
Diameter of pipe : d = 15 mm
Flow : Q = 25 l / min
Reynold’s number : Re = 3000
Oil density : ρ = 0.9 g / cm3
a) Calculate the pressure drop per meter in the pipe.
PROBLEM 1.2
There are given the following data for a hydraulic pipeline.
Diameter of pipe : d = 10 mm
Flow : Q = 15 l / min
Reynold’s number : Re = 1000
Oil density : ρ = 0.9 g / cm3
a) Calculate the pressure drop per meter in the pipe.
PROBLEM 1.3
Oil with density ρ = 860 kg / m3 is led through a 300 m long horizontal pipeline with
inner diameter of 50 mm. The flow of oil is 1.23 cm3 / sek and the pressure drop in the
pieline is 2 kp / cm 2 .
a) Calculate the dynamic viscosity.
PROBLEM 1.4
Given an orifice as shown in the figure below.
P1 A
P2
Q
Page 1 of 24
a) Calculate the area A so that there will be a pressure drop of Δp = 100 bar when
the flow is Q = 60 l / min .
b) Determine the Reynold’s number, when the density is ρ = 0.883 g / cm3 and the
kinematic viscosity is ν = 75 cSt .
PROBLEM 1.5
Consider the spool in the figure.
P1 d L = 20 mm
p1 − p2 = 100 bar
d = 15 mm
δ P2 ν = 75 cSt
ρ = 0.883 g / cm3
L
a) Determine the clearance δ max , when the maximum allowed leakage flow through
the annular gap is Qmax = 1 cm3 / sek .
b) Calculate the Reynold’s number and check if the conditions for the calculations
are valid.
PROBLEM 1.6
Q p
a) Calculate the flow Q through the
orifice. The orifice has the same
pT characteristics as the one considered in
Problem 4, but with the area reduced to
p = 101 bar ; pT = 1 bar one half
Q p
b) Calculate the pressure p. Both the
orifices have the characteristics as the
pT one used in Problem 1.
Q = 30 l / min ; pT = 1 bar
Q p p2
c) Calculate the pressure p2 . Both the
orifices have the characteristics as the
pT one used in Problem 2. Also calculate
the flow Q.
p = 101 bar ; pT = 1 bar
Page 2 of 24
PROBLEM 1.7
Between two cylindrical bodies there exist laminar leakage flow
ε
d u − d i = Δd
L = piping length
di Δp = pressure drop across L
μ = dynamic viscosity
ε = eccentricity
du
π 1 d ⋅ (Δd ) 3 ⎡ 3 ⎧ 2 ⋅ ε ⎫ ⎤
2
The leakage flow can be found as : Q = ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ ⎢1 + ⋅ ⎨ ⎬ ⎥ ⋅ Δp

96 μ L ⎣⎢ 2 ⎩ Δd ⎭ ⎦⎥
Data given: d = 100 mm, Δd = 0.1 mm, L = 50 mm, Δp = 70 bar, μ = 20 cP
a) Calculate Q [l/min] when ε = 0 and ε = Δd / 2 .
PROBLEM 1.8
A hydraulic circuit is build up like shown in the figure. The relation between the flow
and pressure drop for all the orifices can be described by the orifice equation
Q = k ⋅ A ⋅ Δp .
A1 A2 A3
Q
p
A4
a) Determine a (p,Q)-characteristic for the complete circuit, i.e. determine an

equivalent orifice as replacement for the four shown in the figure. We do not
consider losses in the pump or pipelines and the tank pressure is zero.
---oo0oo---
Page 3 of 24
PUMPS, MOTORS AND CYLINDERS
PROBLEM 2.1
A hydraulic pump driven by an electric motor is working at 1500 rpm against a pressure
of 100 bar. The pump displacement is 63 cm3. The pump flow is measured to 88 l/min
and the power on the output shaft of the electrical motor is measured to 17.5 kW. The
suction pressure is approximately 0 bar. Under the given circumstances find:
a) The volumetric efficiency, ηvP, of the pump

b) The hydro-mechanical efficiency, ηhmP, of the pump
c) The total efficiency, ηP, of the pump
PROBLEM 2.2
A hydraulic pump is working at 1000 rpm against a pressure of 125 bar delivering a
flow of 25.8 l/min. Under these conditions it is known that the volumetric efficiency and
total efficiency of the pump are: 0.95 and 0.85, respectively. Knowing that the suction
pressure is approximately 1 bar, determine:
a) The hydro-mechanical efficiency, ηhmP, of the pump

b) The required input moment to drive the pump
PROBLEM 2.3
A 32 cm3 hydraulic motor is rotating a shaft at 1200 rpm delivering a torque of 80 Nm.
The flow into the motor and the pressure drop across the motor are measured to 40 l/min
and 175 bar, respectively. Under the given circumstances, determine:
a) The volumetric efficiency , ηvM

b) The hydro-mechanical efficiency, ηhmM
c) The total efficiency, ηM
PROBLEM 2.4
A hoisting arrangement is to be driven by a certain type of hydraulic motor with a
volumetric efficiency, ηvM, approximately constant at 0.94, and a hydro-mechanical
efficiency, ηhmM, approximately constant at 0.90. The hydraulic motor will be inserted
in an existing hydraulic system, with a maximum pressure available of pM = 350 bar
and a maximum flow available of 60 l/min. The return pressure is approximately
constant at pR = 5 bar. The set-up is shown below.
Page 4 of 24
max. 350 bar
200 mm
5 bar
1000 kg
The hydraulic motor comes in different sizes: 200 cm3 - 250 cm3 - 355 cm3 - 500 cm3 -
710 cm3.
a) Find the motor(s) that will be capable of driving the hoist arrangement with a
hoisting speed of at least 2 m/s.
Next, for the chosen motor(s) determine:
b) The required system pressure, pM,

c) The required flow (flow demand), QM, at a maximum hoisting speed.
PROBLEM 2.5
A hydraulic cylinder with piston diameter ø63 mm, piston rod diameter ø30 mm, and
hydro-mechanical efficiency, ηhmC, of 0.97 is loaded as shown below.
Moving direction
25000 N
Q1 Q2
p1 p2
The back pressure, p2, depends on the return flow, Q2, in the following way:
p 2 = 0.002 ⋅ Q22 , where Q2 is entered in [l/min] and p2 comes out in [bar]. The load is to
be moved with a speed of 0.4 m/s. Determine:
a) The flow demand from the cylinder, Q1.

b) The required inlet pressure, p1.
Page 5 of 24
PROBLEM 2.6
Below 3 different ways of lifting a load is displayed. Each cylinder has a piston
diameter ø50 mm, a piston rod diameter ø35 mm, and a hydro-mechanical efficiency,
ηhmC, of 0.98. The load with mass = 3000 kg is to be lifted with a speed of 0.5 m/s. In
load cases 1 and 2 the back pressure is approximately constant at 2 bar.
Load Load
Moving direction
Q2 Q2
Q2
Q1
Q1 Load
Q1
p1 p2 p1 p2 p1
For each of the 3 load cases determine:
a) The flow demand from the cylinder, Q1

b) The required inlet pressure, p1
PROBLEM 2.7
Below is shown an arm with a payload hanging vertically from the tip point D. The arm
has an angle θ relative to horizontal. A hydraulic cylinder (not shown on the figure) is
attached at points B and C. The cylinder has an angle ϕ relative to horizontal.
Dimensions in the below figure is in [m].
2.8
0.5
A
D
θ
0.3
C
1.5
ϕ
B
m = 500 kg
Page 6 of 24
The hydraulic cylinder is single acting and has a diameter of ø40 mm . The hydraulic
cylinder can be considered ideal, i.e., no losses. The flow to the cylinder is constant at
60 l / min . The cylinder should move the arm from an angle θ = −35° to an angle
θ = 35° . For the following three positions: θ = −35° , θ = 0° and θ = −35° compute
the following:
a) Length of the cylinder, Lcyl = ( xC − x B )2 + ( yC − y B ) 2

Fcyl
b) Pressure in the cylinder, pcyl =
A
c) Angular velocity of the arm, θ
Page 7 of 24
VALVES
PROBLEM 3.1
For the system below the following is to be computed:
a) cylinder speed
b) flow across the orifices P->A and B->T
c) pump pressure
d) pressures in cylinder chambers
2000 ⋅ g
ø 25 mm
ø 40 mm
A B
P→A B →T
Cd = 0.7 Cd = 0.7
Ad = 18 mm 2 Ad = 18 mm 2
P T
n = 2000 rpm
pcr = 250 bar
D = 25 cm3
Page 8 of 24
PROBLEM 3.2
The system from problem 1 is shown in a new situation below. The payload is now
lowered and it is desired that there should be a pressure of 5 bar in the cylinder rod side
chamber. The following is to be computed:
a) cylinder speed
b) flow across the orifices P->B og A->T
c) pump pressure
d) pressures in the cylinder chambers
e) the necessary discharge area, Ad , for the orifice A->T
2000 ⋅ g
ø 25 mm
5 bar
ø40 mm
A B
P→B A→T
Cd = 0.7 Cd = 0.7
Ad = 18 mm 2 Ad = ???
P T
n = 2000 rpm
pcr = 250 bar
D = 25 cm3
Page 9 of 24
PROBLEM 3.3
For the hydraulic system shown below the following is to be computed:
a) The speed of the two cylinders

b) The pressures in the cylinder chambers
c) The pump pressure
d) The flow across the two directional control valves
e) The return flow to the reservoir
2000 ⋅ g 2000 ⋅ g
pcr = 10 bar
ø 25 mm
ø 35 mm
ø 40 mm
ø63 mm
C d = 0 .7 Cd = 0.7
Ad = 18 mm 2 Ad = 18 mm 2
Q0 = 30 l / min
pcr = 250 bar
n = 2000 rpm
D = 25 cm3
pcr = 5 bar
Page 10 of 24
PROBLEM 3.4
Below are shown two one-step pressure relief valves. To the left a back pressure
compensated and to the right a non-back pressure compensated version.
30° 30 °
ø 5 mm ø 5 mm ø5 mm ø 5 mm
Q
Q
(a) (b)
p = 5 bar p = 5 bar
The spring stiffness is k = 15 N / mm and the compressions of the spring when the
valve is closed is x0 = 32 mm . The discharge coefficient for the orifice between the
needle and the housing is: C d = 0.9 .
a) Compute the upstream pressure and the spool position for both valves for each of
the following flow: Q = [1 5 10 20 ] l / min .
PROBLEM 3.5
Given the system shown in the figure
F F F
ø 25 mm
p2
C d = 0 .7 pcr = 150 bar pcr = 150 bar

Ad = 8 mm 2 ρp = 5
p3
ø 40 mm p4
A B
T
P P → B & A→T
C d = 0 .7 p1
Ad = 25 mm 2
n = 1500 o / min
pcr = 250 bar
D = 25 cm3 / o
Page 11 of 24
Analyse each of the three hydraulic systems for the following values of the payload:
F = [0.2 2 20 ] kN . The systems are identical except from the throttling arrangement
used for lowering the payload. Design I uses a fixed orifice, design II uses a pressure
relief valve, and design II uses an overcenter valve.
The overcenter valve of design (c) requires the following relationship between the
pressures to open:
pcr = p3 + ρ p ⋅ p 2 − ( 1 + ρ p ) ⋅ p4
Here ρ p is the pilot ratio of the overcenter valve.

For each system and each payload compute:
a) Flow P->B and A->T

b) Cylinder speed
c) Pressure in cylinder chambers
d) Pump pressure
PROBLEM 3.6
The system shown below controls three hydraulic cylinders by means of an LS
proportional valve group. Each of the valves are pressure compensated. The local
pressure compensators maintain a pressure drop of 7 bar across the forward flow path
of the 4/3 directional control valves when the control valves are activated. The main
compensator maintains a pressure difference of 15 bar between the pump pressure and
the LS pressure when it is open.
All the 4/3 directional control valves have symmetric discharge area characteristics that
vary linearly from 0 mm 2 to 25 mm 2 when fully opened. All discharge coefficients are
C d = 0.56 . The three cylinders C1..C3 all have piston diameters of 50 mm and rod
side diameters of 36 mm . The pump supplies a constant flow of 60 l / min .
Page 12 of 24
a) What is the maximum flow that the valves can produce.
b) What are the maximum speed of C1..C3 when extracting and retracting.
A working situation is given as follows:
C1: Not actuated but holding a load of 1000 kN

C2: Extracting with 0.2 m/s against a load of 2000 kN
C3: Retracting with 0.4 m/s no load
For this situation compute:
c) The opening of the three 4/3 directional control valves

d) The pressure in the cylinder chambers of C1..C3
e) The LS pressure
f) The pump pressure
g) The overall efficiency
h) What would happen if all valves opened fully in extracting mode
---oo0oo---
Page 13 of 24
ACTUATOR CONTROL
PROBLEM 4.1
A hydraulic cylinder is part of a system that basically looks as shown below:
The cylinder is to move with constant speed under any loading condition. Based on the
above diagram 4 different systems for speed control are to be examined:
• meter in
• meter out
• by pass with 2-way flow control valve
• by pass with 3-way flow control valve
a) Draw the system diagrams corresponding to each of these set ups
The pump has a constant displacement of 55 cm3/rev and is driven with an

approximately constant speed of 3000 rpm.
The cylinder has a piston diameter of 80 mm and a piston rod diameter of 56 mm.
The load, F, on the cylinder is 75 kN.
The required cylinder speed when working against F is 0.4 m/s.
The pressure in the tank reservoir is approximately 0 bar.
The crack pressure of the relief/safety valve is set 40% above necessary load pressure =
F/Apiston.
The 3-way flow control valve has an approximately constant pressure drop across its
fixed orifice of 5 bar. Otherwise, the valves may be regarded as ideal.
The pump and cylinder may be regarded as ideal (no losses).
Page 14 of 24
For each different type of speed control determine:
b) The appropriate setting of the different valves

c) The different pressures
d) The overall efficiency
Next, a different load situation is considered. F is no longer constant but varies. It is

approximately 15 kN 80% of the time and 75 kN the remaining 20% of the time.
For each different type of speed control determine:
e) The overall efficiency
---oo0oo---
Page 15 of 24
SYSTEM DESIGN
PROBLEM 5.1
A part should, in a continuously ongoing working process, be pushed from A to B, and
then hoisted from B to C. The dimensions are shown below and are in [mm]. The
working cycle take a total of 9 seconds. Hence, for each 9 seconds a new part arrives at
point A. The pushing from A to B is supposed to be done by means of a hydraulic
cylinder and the hoisting form B to C is to be done by means of a wiredrum (with some
suitable gripping device) driven by a hydraulic motor. The wiredrum radius is shown
below.
300
Wiredrum
Gear+motor
Wire
1000
Gripping device
Part B
A
Cylinder
1000
30°
Both cylinder and motor are considered to work continuously.

Acceleration times are neglected.
The time used by the gripping device when capturing the part from the hydraulic
cylinder is neglected.
The mass of the part is 7000 kg.
Rolling resistance as the part is moved from A to B can be neglected.
No resulting force from the hydraulic cylinder is required when it is retracting.
No resulting torque from the hydraulic motor is required to lower the gripping device.
A mechanical gearbox is inserted between the hydraulic motor and the wiredrum. It
reduces the rpm of the motor with a gear ratio of 34.
The gear box has a mechanical efficiency of 0.9.
The maximum operation time for the system is 1 hour.
Page 16 of 24
The concept of the hydraulic system is given, see below:
The different components are gone through in the following:
1. A diesel engine with fixed rpm = 1800 independent of the load.

2. A pump with fixed displacement. It is chosen from:
Displacement
Max. allowable RPM
cm3/rev
12 3150
16 3150
23 2500
28 2500
32 2500
45 2240
56 2000
63 2000
80 1800
All pumps have an allowable continuous working pressure of 315 bar, a volumetric
efficiency of 0.9, and a hydromechanical efficiency of 0.94. The pumps require an
inlet pressure of at least 0.5 bar in order to work properly.
Page 17 of 24
3. A pressure relief valve. It is set to dump all flow to the reservoir at a certain crack
pressure. The crack pressure can be set to any value between 50 and 350 bar. The
crack pressure should be set to 15% above the highest pump pressure.
4. A return filter. The pressure drop across the filter kan be computed from:
Δp = k f ⋅ Q 2
where kf is a pressure loss coefficient = 0.0003 bar/(l/min)2.
5. A flow control valve, that can be set to deliver a flow between 5 and 80 l/min. It
requires a pressure drop of at least 10 bar in order to work properly.
6. Similar to 5.
7. A 4/3 way directional control valve with electrohydraulic actuation. The valve is
symmetrical so that the pressure drops can be computed as:
Δp P − A = Δp P − B = k 1 ⋅ Q 2
Δp A−T = Δp B −T = k 2 ⋅ Q 2
where k1 and k2 are pressure loss coefficients of 0.0012 bar/(l/min)2 and 0.0015
bar/(l/min)2, respectively.
8. Similar to 7.
9. Hydraulic motor with fixed displacement. It is chosen from:
Max. allowable
Displacement Max. allowable
pressure drop
[cm3/rev] RPM
[bar]
160 625 200
200 625 200
250 500 200
315 380 200
400 305 180
500 240 160
All motors have a hydromechanical efficiency of 0.92 and a volumetric efficiency of

0.92. For all motors the maximum value of the inlet and back pressure are 210 and
75 bar, respectively.
10. Double acting hydraulic cylinder. It is chosen from:
Cylinder diameter Rod diameter

[mm] [mm]
25 18
32 22
40 28
50 36
63 45
80 56
100 70
For all cylinders the maximum allowable pressure level is 240 bar and the maximum
allowable speed is 0.5 m/s. They all have a volumetric efficiency of 1.0 and a
hydromechanical efficiency of 0.96.
Page 18 of 24
11. The reservoir is a steel tank with the dimensions 1000 x 1000 x 200 mm3. It has a
heat ransmission coefficient of 14 W/(Km2).
All the connections are by means of hoses. The hosing of the system mainly consists of:
1.0 m between valve 7 port A and the motor.

1.0 m between vakve 7 port B and th motor.
0.5 m between valve 8 port A and the cylinder.
0.5 m between valve 8 port B and the cylinder.
0.02 m between the reservoir and the pump.
The inner diameter of the five hoses is chosen from:
1/4"=6.2 mm 1/2"=12.7 mm 3/4"=15.9 mm 1"=25.4 mm 1.5"=38.1 mm
The reservoir pressure is 1 bar.

The surrounding temperature is 18oC.
The system uses a usual mineral oil, that should not be heated to 60 oC.
There is a total of 0.18 m3 oil in the system and it has a density of 875 kg/m3 and a
specific heat of 2kJ/(kgK).
The temperature of the oil can be computed from:
⎡ −⎜⎜ c tnk ⎟⎟ ⎤
⎛ k ⋅ A ⋅t ⎞
T ( t ) = To +
Ptab ⎢
⋅ 1− e ⎝ v v ⎠⎥
M ⋅c
k c ⋅ Atnk ⎢ ⎥
⎣⎢ ⎦⎥
where
T is the temperature, [K]
t is the time of operation, [s]
T0 is the initial time, [K]
Ploss is the average power loss during a working cycle, [W]
kc is the heat transfer coefficient of the reservoir, [W/(Km2)]
Ares is the surface area of the reservoir, [m2]
Mfl is the mass of the fluid, [kg]
cv is the specific heat of the fluid, [J/(kgK)]
Given this information:
a) Set up working cycle for motor and cylinder.

b) Chose pump, motor, cylinder and hosing diameters.
c) Determine the set values of the flow control valves 5 and 6, as well as the crack
pressure of pressure relief valve 3.
d) Determine the overall efficiency of the system and whether extra cooling is
required.
---oo0oo---
Page 19 of 24
SYSTEM ANALYSIS
PROBLEM 6.1
There are given a hydrostatic transmission as shown in the figure below. The hydraulic
motor has fixed displacement, while the hydraulic pump has variable displacement. The
displacement can be varied by the parameter α (0 → 1).
4/3 - valve A B
Motor
P T
Variable pump Tm Curves valid P
12
for P B og A T 1
10
np mm 2
P T
nm ν = 36 8
3
s 6
P A og B T
g 4
2
Tp ρ = 0.9 2
Filter cm3
20 40 60 Q
X
⎛ν ⎞ ⎧ x =1 laminar
Pump controlled motor Δp 2 = Δp1 ⎜⎜ 2 ⎟⎟ ; ⎨
⎝ν1 ⎠ ⎩ x = 0.25 turbulent
The following data are given for the circuit

mm 2 kg
Oil: viscosity: ν = 20 ; density: ρ = 900 .
s m3
cm3
Motor: Dm = 4.47 ; η hm = 0.92 ; η v = 0.98
rad
cm3
Pump: D p = α ⋅ D p0 , D p0 = 4.47 ; η hm = 0.94 ; η v = 0.96
rad
a) Determine the pressure drop Δpm across the motor, when the motor delivers
the torque Tm = 100 Nm .
b) Calculate the flow feed into the motor when nm = 1500 omdr / min .
c) Determine the displacement of the pump ( α ) when n p = 1800 omdr / min .
d) Determine the pressure drop in the system when the 4/3-valve connects P → A
and B → T. The inner diameter of the pipeline is d = 14 mm , and the total
length of the pipelines in the system is l = 16.4 m . Loss coefficient of the filter
is ξ = 2.
e) Calculate the input torque to the pump.
f) Determine the overall efficiency of the system.
Page 20 of 24
PROBLEM 6.2
Given the system shown in the figure below.
The two actuators, cylinder and motor, never work at the same time, and we do not
consider losses in the pipelines.
Cylinder:
Diameter for piston
F
nm Tm and rod: D = 65 mm ;
d = 36 mm
V V = 0.2 m / s ;
F = 30000 N ;
η hmC = 0.9
V4
Motor:
cm3
Dm = 64 ;
omdr
V1 V2 η hmM = 0.9 ;
η vM = 0.95 ;
150 bar nm = 700 omdr / min ;
V3
Tm = 120 Nm
Pumpe:
cm3
np D p = 40 ;
omdr
V5
Tp Return filter η hmP = 0.9 ;
Pressure drop = 2.5 bar ηvP = 0.95 ;
n p = 1440 omdr / min
Valves: Pressure drop across the valves V1, V2 follows the equation Δp = 0.003 ⋅ Q 2 ,
where Δp is substituted in bar and Q is substituted in l/min.
a) Determine the oil flow through the valves V3 and V4.

b) Determine the overall efficiency when: 1) The motor is working 2) The
cylinder is working.
c) Explain the function of the valve V5
Page 21 of 24
PROBLEM 6.3
We now consider a mobile test crane actuated by a Sauer-Danfoss pressure
compensated load sensing proportional valve. As shown in the figure below the test
crane is equipped two pressure transducers and one flowmeter.
Meq
p1
p2
Q Tr
Fl
T P
LS
For the proportional valve it is known that it is equipped with a symmetric spool, meaning that
the meter-in and meter-out areas are equal.
Two tests have been made with the crane. The crane has been raised and lowered with
nearly constant velocity (flow where constant). The following data were measured:
When lowering the load: p 1 ≅ 0 bar ; p 2 = 65 bar ; Q = 8 l / min

When raising the load: p 1 ≅ 3.5 bar ; p 2 = 70 bar ; Q = 8 l / min
Besides the following data are known:

Piston diameter (cylinder): D = 50 mm ; Piston rod diameter (cylinder): d = 25 mm
Density of oil: ρ = 870 kg / m 3 ; Tank pressure: p T = 2 bar
a) Calculate the static load on the cylinder.

b) Calculate the opening area in the spool when lowering the load
c) Calculate the opening area in the spool when raising the load.
d) While the valve is pressure compensated the pressure drop across the meter-in
orifice is constant. Determine this pressure drop.
We want to lower the load with a velocity corresponding to 8 l/min measured by the
flowmeter.
e) Calculate the allowable static force on the piston, to prevent cavitation.

f) How could the system be modified to prevent cavitation.
---oo0oo---
Page 22 of 24
OIL STIFFNESS
PROBLEM A.1
There are given two columns with the same length L 0 , as shown in the figure below
F F
AS
Steel
L0
Oil
F
A0
L0
a) Calculate the area ratio A 0 / A S which gives the same spring constant for the
two columns.
PROBLEM A.2
Given a hydraulic sliding table as shown in the figure below
sliding table
M
p
AS F
AC
VC
VL air ~ VK
air ~ Volie
The dynamic behaviour depend primarily on the spring stiffness k h of the

cylinder/piston unit and the inertia load M. This stiffness will be a function of: (1)
piston rod (rod area A S , length L, modulus of elasticity E); (2) oil in the cylinder
(piston area A C , volume of oil VC , bulk modulus of oil β ); (3) oil volume of hose
Page 23 of 24
(volume VL ); (4) free air content in the oil (volume Volie , bulk modulus of air β L ; (5)
air volume in the accumulator (volume VK ).
a) Calculate the spring constant k h for the system and determine the undamped
natural eigenfrequency.
---oo0oo---
Page 24 of 24

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Fluid Power

Torben Ole Andersen Michael Rygaard Hansen

Hydraulics, as we consider it in this note, is the science of transmitting force and/or

Aalborg, June 2007

TORBEN OLE ANDERSEN

CHAPTER 2 CHARACTERICS OF PUMPS AND MOTORS

CHAPTER 3 CHARACTERICS OF VALVE OPERATION

CHAPTER 4 ACTUATOR CONTROL

CHAPTER 5 SYNTHESIS OF HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS

CHAPTER 6 ANALYSIS OF HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS

APPENDIX A HYDRAULIC FLUIDS

PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

1.1 Hydrodynamics vs. Hydrostatics................................……….. 1

1.2 Pressure and Flow................................………………….…… 2

1.4 Hydraulic Losses...................................................…………… 14

1.5 Summary.................................... ……………………………. 21

1.1 Hydrodynamics vs. Hydrostatics

Figure 1.1 Transmission of energy using kinetic energy

In a hydrostatic device, power is transmitted by pushing on a confined liquid (Figure

Hydraulic Principles Page 1 of 21

Figure 1.2 Force excerted by use of pressure

1.2 Pressure and Flow

• Pressure is responsible for pushing or exerting a force or torque

• Flow is responsible for making something move; for causing motion

1.2.1 Pressure provides the push

We might say simply that pressure is a tendency to expand (or a resistance to

Hydraulic Principles Page 2 of 21

Absolute and gauge pressure

patm = 1 atmosphere = 760 mmHg = 101325 Pa (N/m2) (1.1)

p absolute = p atmospheric + p gauge (1.2)

In hydraulic system analysis we are merely concerned with pressure differences

PRESSURE = 10 bar PRESSURE = 10 bar

Figure 1.3 Creating pressure with a force

Hydraulic Principles Page 3 of 21

Pressure in a confined fluid is transmitted undiminished in every direction, and

Figure 1.4 Leverage gained hydraulically

Pressure and force relationship

p = F/A or F = p⋅A (1.6)

Hydraulic Principles Page 4 of 21

Let’s have a look at illustrations of this pressure/force/area relationship.

Back-pressure ~ series connection

100 bar 50 bar

Figure 1.5 Series operation of two cylinders

Pressure in parallel connection

Hydraulic Principles Page 5 of 21

Figure 1.6 Pressure in parallel connection

1.2.2 Flow makes it go

Velocity and flow rate

Figure 1.7 Flow through a conduit

Hydraulic Principles Page 6 of 21

flow rate Q (m3/s) = area A (m2) × velocity V (m/s) = constant (1.7)

Flow rate and speed

1 litre LOAD LOAD

Figure 1.8 Illustrating flow rate and speed

Flow and pressure drop

Flow through an orifice

Hydraulic Principles Page 7 of 21

Figure 1.8 Flow through an orifice Figure 1.9 Laminar/turbulent flow

Laminar and turbulent flow

Work and energy