This course concentrates on basic theorems and the methods of solution.  Emphasis is placed upon the methods of development, useful mathematical models of fluid power components such as valves of all common types, actuators, power sources, interconnecting lines and cavitation phenomena.

Prerequisite: Students enrolling in this course should have already completed a basic program in fluid power technology, a course in fluid properties, fluid statics, and pressure gauges, and one year of calculus 

Course Outline:

Development of mathematical models using first principles as applied to fluid power components and systems.

• Pressure and flow control valve models
• Directional control valve models
• Cylinder models
• Pump and motor models
• Accumulator models
• Line/connectors models
• Cavitation models

Application of basic circuit theorems to the development of system models from component models

Computer simulation of components and systems stressed

Background requirements:

            Differential Equations and Laplace transforms

            Basic course in fluid power components and systems

This course reviews conventional methods of solving dynamic systems, i.e., Laplace transformers, Bode analysis, Nyquist analysis, root-locus, and state-space representations.  Methods are presented for math modeling of complete hydraulic systems along with methods of solving equations. Simulations, synthesis and identification methods are covered and comparisons are made.  Practical methods of system linearization are applied to examples. Use of the computer is stressed.

Prereqisite: Students enrolled in this course should have already completed ME871.

Course outline:

Continued development of fluid power systems models with an emphasis on closed loop control applications.

• Electro-hydraulic control valves
• Sensors for position, velocity, torque, force, etc.
• Control design for electro-hydraulic components and systems
• Linearized and non-linear components/systems analysis methods

Modeling, simulation and experimental evaluation of selected EH components and systems

Background requirements:

            ME871 or equivalent and basic course in control theory

During this course, several in-depth design examples are undertaken in the form of positioning control systems, speed control systems and multi-axis motion control. The student will apply the concepts studied in ME871 and ME872 in the process of solving the design problems.

Prerequisite: ME871 and ME872.

Course outline:

Electro-hydraulic design project- industrial relevance; closed loop control applications; system/component simulation; written and oral final presentation

Background requirements: ME871 and ME872