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Fluid Power Institute (FPI)

What's the best way to make sure a system works properly? By running it through the gamut of endurance tests it will face while working.

That's just what the Fluid Power InstituteTM (FPI) does for industry leaders who make fluid power, motion control and other related components and systems.


One of the first centers of its kind in the country, FPI remains a pioneer in motion control and fluid power education. FPI's approach uses mechanical, electrical, computer and software engineering and also utilizes MSOE's Rapid Prototyping Center.

In addition to endurance testing, the FPI runs performance testing and environmental evaluations as well as component and system design, modeling and simulation, contamination and reliability analyses, system integration and prototyping and develops and delivers various education programs.

The FPI has expanded into electrohydraulic interface studies and currently has active programs in fluid power systems design, applications of fluid power to manufacturing, computerized fluid dynamics (CFD), electromagnetic actuators and sensors, component evaluation and filtration and contamination testing.

Contracts for U.S. Marine vehicle reliability improvements were won by FPI. The agreement is valued at $1 million/year with options up to five years. The initial contracts were awarded for hydraulic system design review, analysis, and reliability improvements on two vehicles ABV (Assault Breacher Vehicle) and JAB (Joint Assault Bridge).

A $5 million endowment from the estate of Otto J. Maha provides resources to ensure continued advancement of fluid power education. The FPI workforce is comprised of faculty and staff from various academic departments, and undergraduate and graduate students.

MSOE is a member of the National Fluid Power Association and supports the activities of the Fluid Power Society and the Fluid Power Educational Foundation.

The many aspects of the FPI add up to great gains for business and wonderful opportunities for students to conduct research and gain industry experience.


Fluid Power Institute
Thomas Wanke
Director, Fluid Power InstituteTM
Phone: (414) 277-7191 Fax: (414) 277-7470
Send e-mail


FPI links: