HYDRAULIC PUMP

Questions, Concepts, and Definitions

1. Name the three popular construction types of positive displacement pumps.
Answer:
- Gear pump
- Piston pump
- Diaphragm pump
2. What is a positive displacement pump? In what ways does it differ from a centrifugal pump ?
Answer: A positive displacement pump moves a fixed amount of fluid with each cycle. It differs from a
centrifugal pump as it handles high-viscosity fluids better, provides consistent flow regardless of pressure,
and operates at lower speeds, while centrifugal pumps are better for high-flow, low-viscosity applications
and vary flow with pressure changes.
3. How is the pumping action in positive displacement pumps accomplished?
Answer: The pumping action in positive displacement pumps is accomplished by trapping a fixed volume
of fluid and forcing it through the discharge outlet using mechanical movement, such as rotation (gear
pumps) or reciprocation (piston pumps).
4. How is the volumetric efficiency of a positive displacement pump determined?
Answer: Volumetric efficiency of a positive displacement pump is determined by the ratio of the actual
output flow to the theoretical flow, typically expressed as a percentage.
5. How is the mechanical efficiency of a positive displacement pump determined?
Answer: Mechanical efficiency of a positive displacement pump is determined by the ratio of the
theoretical power required to move the fluid to the actual power consumed by the pump, expressed as a
percentage.
6. How is the overall efficiency of a positive displacement pump determined?
Answer: Overall efficiency of a positive displacement pump is determined by multiplying its volumetric
efficiency and mechanical efficiency.
7. Explain how atmospheric pressure pushes hydraulic oil up into the inlet port of a pump.
Answer: Atmospheric pressure pushes hydraulic oil into the inlet port of a pump by exerting pressure on
the fluid surface in the reservoir. As the pump creates a low-pressure area at the inlet, the higher
atmospheric pressure forces the oil into the pump.
8. What is the difference between a fixed displacement pump and a variable displacement pump?
Answer: A fixed displacement pump delivers a constant flow rate, while a variable displacement pump
can adjust its flow rate by changing the displacement per cycle.
9. Name three designs of external gear pumps.
Answer: Spur gear pump, Helical gear pump, and Herringbone gear pump.
10. Name two designs of internal gear pumps.
Answer: Single rotor gear pump, Double rotor gear pump.
11. Why is the operation of a screw pump quiet?
Answer: The operation of a screw pump is quiet because it has continuous and smooth fluid flow, with
minimal turbulence and fewer moving parts that create noise.
12. Name the important considerations when selecting a pump for a particular application.
Answer:
- Fluid properties (viscosity, temperature, corrosiveness)
- Flow rate and pressure requirements
- Pump efficiency and power consumption
- Installation space and orientation
- Maintenance and operational costs
- Noise levels and environmental impact
13. What is a pressure-compensated vane pump, and how does it work?
Answer: A pressure-compensated vane pump adjusts its displacement based on system pressure. It has a
variable geometry that changes the position of the vanes to maintain a constant flow rate despite pressure
fluctuations, ensuring efficient operation.
14. What is pump cavitation, and what is its cause?
Answer: Pump cavitation is the formation and collapse of vapor bubbles in a fluid, which can damage the
pump. It is caused by a drop in pressure below the fluid's vapor pressure, often due to inadequate inlet
pressure or excessive flow rates.
15. How is pressure developed in a hydraulic system?
Answer: Pressure in a hydraulic system is developed by the application of force on a fluid in a confined
space, which transmits the force through the fluid, leading to an increase in pressure according to Pascal's
principle.
16. Why should the suction head of a pump not exceed 5 psi?
Answer: The suction head of a pump should not exceed 5 psi to prevent cavitation, ensuring that the
pressure at the pump inlet remains above the fluid's vapor pressure for reliable operation.
17. Why must positive displacement pumps be protected by relief valves?
Answer: Positive displacement pumps must be protected by relief valves to prevent excessive pressure
buildup in the system, which can cause damage to the pump, pipes, and connected equipment.
18. Why are centrifugal pumps so little used in fluid power systems?
Answer: Centrifugal pumps are little used in fluid power systems because they are less effective at
handling high-viscosity fluids, provide variable flow rates, and are less suited for generating high
pressures compared to positive displacement pumps.
19. What is meant by a balanced-design hydraulic pump?
Answer: A balanced-design hydraulic pump features symmetrical loading and equal pressure distribution
across its components, reducing wear and improving efficiency, stability, and overall performance.
20. Name the two basic types of piston pumps.
Answer: Axial piston pump and Radial piston pump.
21. What is meant by the pressure rating of a positive displacement pump?
Answer: The pressure rating of a positive displacement pump refers to the maximum pressure the pump
can safely handle during operation without risk of failure or damage.
22. What are two ways of expressing pump size?
Answer: Flow rate and Displacement.
23. What types of pumps are available in variable displacement designs?
Answer: Vane pump, Piston pump, and Gear pump.
24. Explain the principle of a balanced vane design pump.
Answer: A balanced vane design pump operates on the principle of equalizing forces acting on the vanes,
which reduces wear and improves efficiency. The design allows for the pressure on both sides of the
vanes to be nearly equal, minimizing side loading and enhancing performance.
25. How can displacement be varied in an axial piston pump?
Answer: Displacement in an axial piston pump can be varied by changing the angle of the swash plate or
adjusting the position of the piston cylinders, allowing for different stroke lengths and flow rates.
26. Explain how the size of the pumping chamber of a variable displacement vane pump is changed.
Answer: In a variable displacement vane pump, the size of the pumping chamber is changed by adjusting
the position of the cam or rotor, which alters the depth of the vanes within the slots, thereby varying the
volume of fluid displaced with each rotation.
27. How is the capability of a variable displacement pump affected by the addition of pressure
compensation?
Answer: The addition of pressure compensation to a variable displacement pump enhances its capability
by automatically adjusting the displacement to maintain a constant flow rate despite changes in system
pressure, improving efficiency and preventing cavitation.
Problems:
Problem 1:
d=15 mm
h=20 mm
n=2000 rpm

()
2
d
× h ≈ 3534.29 ( mm ) ≈ 3.53× 10 (m )
3 −6 3
V D=π ×
2
−3 3
QT =V D × n ×9 ≈ 1.06 ×10 (m /s)
Problem 2:
3 3 3
V D=115 c m =115 ×10 mm
D R=63.5 mm
DC =88.9 mm
L=50.8 mm
2× V D
e= ≈ 9.46(mm)
π ×(DC + D R )× L
Problem 3:
3 6 3
Q A =0.0019 m /s=1.9 ×10 m m /s
n=3000 rpm
d=15.9mm
D=127 mm
QA
( )
3
6 mm
QT = =2 ×10
95 % s
QT
tan (θ )= 2
≈ 0.18
d
D×(π × )× n ×9
4
→ θ ≈10.2 °
Problem 4:
Q A =29 Lpm
n=1000 rpm
QA
QT = =30.21 ( Lpm )
96 %
 QT
V D= ≈ 0.03( L)
n
Problem 5:
d out =82.6 mm
d ¿ =57.2 mm
L=25.4 mm
n=1800 rpm
3 6 3
Q A =0.00183 m /s=1.83 ×10 m m /s
π
V D= × ( d out −d ¿ ) × L≈ 70837.71 ( m m )
2 2 3
4
6 3
QT =V D × n ≈ 2.13 ×10 (m m /s)
QA
η v= ≈ 85.92 %
QT
Problem 6:
N input =10−hp ≈ 7457 W
−4 3
Q A =40 Lpm ≈ 6.67 × 10 m / s
7
P=10 MPa=10 Pa
N output =Q A × p=6670(W )
N output
η o= ≈ 89.45 %
N input
Problem 7:
5 2
P=140 bars =140× 10 N /m
3
Q A =0.001 m /s
N output =P ×Q A =14000 (W )
N output
N input = ≈ 16470.59 ( W ) ≈ 16.47(kW )
ηo
Therefore, we need to choose an electric motor with an ouput power of at least 17kW to drive the pump.
Problem 8:
3 −6 3
V D=98.4 c m =98.4 ×10 m
3
Q A =0.00152 m /s
n=1000 rpm≈ 104.72 rad /s
 5 2
P=70 bars =70× 10 N /m
T A=124.3 N . m
N output P × Q A
η o= = ≈ 81.74 %
N input T A × n
V D×P
T T= ≈ 109.53( N . m)
2π
HYDRAULIC CYLINDER
Questions, Concepts, and Definitions
1. What is the difference between a single-acting and a double-acting hydraulic cylinder?
Answer: A single-acting hydraulic cylinder applies force in one direction using fluid pressure, while a
double-acting hydraulic cylinder can apply force in both directions by using fluid pressure on both sides
of the piston.
2. Name four different types of hydraulic cylinder mountings.
Answer: Flange mounting, Foot mounting, Side mounting, and Clevis mounting
3. What is a cylinder cushion? What is its purpose?
Answer: A cylinder cushion is a damping mechanism at the ends of a hydraulic cylinder that slows down
the piston as it approaches the end of its stroke. Its purpose is to reduce impact, noise, and wear,
improving the cylinder's lifespan and performance.
4. What is a double-rod cylinder? When would it normally be used?
Answer: A double-rod cylinder has a piston rod extending from both ends, allowing for equal force
application in both directions. It is typically used in applications requiring synchronized movement or
when space constraints prevent the use of separate cylinders.
5. What is a telescoping-rod cylinder? When would it normally be used?
Answer: A telescoping-rod cylinder has multiple nested sections that extend and retract to provide a
longer stroke in a compact size. It is normally used in applications where space is limited but a long
extension is required, such as in cranes or forklifts.
6. Why does the rod of a double-acting cylinder retract at a greater velocity than it extends for the
same input flow rate?
Answer: The rod of a double-acting cylinder retracts at a greater velocity than it extends because the rod's
area reduces the effective cylinder volume during retraction, allowing more fluid to enter the cylinder and
increasing the speed for the same input flow rate.
7. How are single-acting cylinders retracted?
Answer: Single-acting cylinders are retracted using a return spring or an external force, such as gravity or
a mechanical system, since they rely on fluid pressure only for extension.
8. Differentiate between first-, second-, and third-class lever systems used with hydraulic cylinders
to drive loads.
Answer:
- First-class lever: The fulcrum is between the load and the effort, allowing for a change in
direction of force and mechanical advantage.
- Second-class lever: The load is between the fulcrum and the effort, providing increased force at
the expense of distance.
- Third-class lever: The effort is between the fulcrum and the load, resulting in greater movement
of the load for a given effort but less mechanical advantage.
9. Relative to mechanical lever systems, define the term moment.
Answer: In mechanical lever systems, a moment refers to the rotational effect produced by a force acting
at a distance from a pivot point (fulcrum). It is calculated as the product of the force and the distance from
the pivot, typically expressed in units like Newton-meters (Nm).
10. Relative to mechanical lever systems, define the term moment arm.
Answer: The moment arm is the perpendicular distance from the line of action of a force to the pivot
point (fulcrum) in a mechanical lever system. It determines the effectiveness of the force in producing
rotation, with a longer moment arm resulting in greater torque or moment.
11. When using lever systems with hydraulic cylinders, why must the cylinder be clevis-mounted?
Answer: The cylinder must be clevis-mounted in lever systems with hydraulic cylinders to allow for
angular movement and alignment with the lever arm, ensuring proper operation and preventing stress on
the cylinder due to misalignment.
12. What is the purpose of a hydraulic shock absorber? Name two applications
Answer: The purpose of a hydraulic shock absorber is to dampen and control the movement of
mechanical systems by absorbing and dissipating energy from shocks and vibrations.
Applications:
- Automotive suspension systems
- Industrial machinery to reduce vibrations and impacts
Problems:
Problem 1:
F=P × A
V=A×l
Where:
F: is the extension force of the cylinder
P: is the pressure
A: is the piston area
V: is the volume of the cylinder
l: is the stroke length
a) Force remain unchanged and time to travel through full stroke is doubled.
b) Force is quardrupled and time to travel through full stroke is quardrupled.
c) Force is quardrupled and time to travel through full stroke increase by a factor of 8.
Problem 2:
D p=8 cm=0.08 m
Dr =4 cm=0.04 m
−3 3
Q¿ =100 Lpm=1.67 ×10 m /s
6 2
P=12 MPa=12× 10 N /m
a)
Q¿
v ext = 2
≈ 0.33(m/ s)
Dp
π×
4
Q¿
v ret = 2 2
≈ 0.44(m/ s)
D p Dr
π ×( − )
4 4
b)
2
Dp
F ext =P × π × ≈ 60318.58 ( N )
4
2 2
D p Dr
F ret =P × π ×( − )≈ 45238.93 ( N )
4 4
Problem 3:
3
Q¿ =0.0016 m /s
D p=40 mm=0.04 m
Dr =20 mm=0.02m
F ext =F ret =5000 N

a)
 F ext
Pext = 2
≈ 3.98 (MPa)
D
π× p
4
b)
Q¿
v ext = 2
≈ 1.27(m/ s)
Dp
π×
4
c)
N ext =P ext ×Q ¿ ≈ 6.37 ( kW )
d)
F ret
Pret = 2 2
≈ 5.31(MPa)
D D
π ×( p − r )
4 4
e)
Q¿
v ret = 2 2
≈1.70 (m/s)
D p Dr
π ×( − )
4 4
f)
N ret =P ret × Q¿ ≈ 8.50 ( kW )
Problem 4:

W =6000 lb
P=1000 psi
F friction =μ × W ×cos 30 ° ≈ 779.42(lb)
F cylinder =F friction + ( W × sin30 ° ) =3779.42(lb)
 √
F cylinder
D p= ≈ 2.19 ( ¿ ) ≈ 0.06(m)
π
P×
4

Problem 5:

We have:
W × AG=F hydraulic × AE
⇔ W × AD × cos 45 °=F hydraulic × AC ×sin 30 °
⇒ F hydraulic ≈ 8485.28 ( lb ) ≈ 37744.41(N )
Problem 6:
We have:

∑ F yB =F BC × sin 60 °−F BD ×sin 60 °=0 ⇒ F BC =F BD

∑ F xB=F cylinder−F BC ×cos 60 ° −F BD × cos 60 °=0
⇔ F cylinder −2 F BC ×cos 60 °=0
F cylinder
⟹ F BC =
2× cos 60 °
∑ F yC =¿ F BC × sin 60° −Fload =0 ¿
F cylinder ×sin 60 °
⇒ F load = ≈ 866.03 ( lb ) ≈ 3852.29(N )
2 ×cos 60 °
HYDRAULIC MOTOR
Questions, Concepts, and Definitions
1. What are the main advantages of gear motors?
Answer:
- High torque: They provide significant torque at low speeds.
- Compact size: They combine the motor and gearbox into a single unit, saving space.
- Efficiency: They offer high efficiency, especially in power transmission.
- Speed control: They allow for precise speed and torque control.
- Durability: Gear motors are typically robust and reliable for various applications.
2. Why are vane motors fixed displacement units?
Answer: Vane motors are fixed displacement units because they have a constant volume of fluid
displaced with each rotation, providing a consistent torque output. This design simplifies their operation
and control, making them ideal for applications where a steady flow and torque are required.
3. Name one way in which vane motors differ from vane pumps.
Answer: One way vane motors differ from vane pumps is that vane motors convert hydraulic energy into
mechanical energy to produce rotational motion, while vane pumps convert mechanical energy into
hydraulic energy to move fluid.
4. Can a piston pump be used as a piston motor?
Answer: Yes, a piston pump can be used as a piston motor by reversing its operation; hydraulic fluid can
be supplied to the pump's inlet, causing the pistons to move and generate rotational motion.
5. For a hydraulic motor, define volumetric, mechanical, and overall efficiency.
Answer:
- Volumetric efficiency: The ratio of the actual flow rate delivered by the hydraulic motor to the
theoretical flow rate based on its displacement, expressed as a percentage.
- Mechanical efficiency: The ratio of the hydraulic power output to the mechanical power input,
accounting for losses due to friction and other factors, expressed as a percentage.
- Overall efficiency: The product of volumetric efficiency and mechanical efficiency,
representing the motor's effectiveness in converting hydraulic energy into useful mechanical
energy.
6. Why does a hydraulic motor use more flow than it should theoretically?
Answer: A hydraulic motor uses more flow than theoretically expected due to factors like internal
leakage, inefficiencies in the system, and pressure drops across components, which increase the actual
flow needed to achieve the desired output.
7. What is a hydrostatic transmission? Name four advantages it typically possesses.
Answer: A hydrostatic transmission is a type of fluid power transmission that uses hydraulic fluid to
transmit power from a prime mover to a driven load, typically employing a hydraulic pump and motor.
Advantages:
- Smooth and variable speed control: Provides precise speed and torque control without shifting.
- High efficiency: Transmits power effectively with minimal losses.
- Compact design: Reduces the space required compared to mechanical transmissions.
- Increased reliability: Fewer moving parts lead to lower maintenance and longer lifespan.
8. Why does a hydraulic motor deliver less torque than it should theoretically?
Answer: A hydraulic motor delivers less torque than theoretically expected due to factors like internal
leakage, inefficiencies in the motor design, pressure losses in the system, and the effects of friction, all of
which reduce the effective torque output.
9. Explain why, theoretically, the torque output from a fixed displacement hydraulic motor
operating at constant pressure is the same regardless of changes in speed.
Answer: Theoretically, the torque output from a fixed displacement hydraulic motor operating at constant
pressure remains the same regardless of changes in speed because torque is determined by the pressure
differential across the motor and its displacement volume. As speed increases, the flow rate also
increases, but the pressure remains constant, so the torque output stays constant according to the formula
Torque = Pressure x Displacement.
10. The torque output from a fixed displacement hydraulic motor operating at constant pressure is
the same regardless of changes in speed. True or false? Explain your answer.
Answer: True. The torque output from a fixed displacement hydraulic motor operating at constant
pressure is the same regardless of changes in speed because torque is a function of the pressure applied
and the motor's displacement. As the speed increases, the flow rate increases, but since the pressure
remains constant, the torque output does not change, following the relationship Torque = Pressure x
Displacement.
11. What determines the speed of a hydraulic motor?
Answer: The speed of a hydraulic motor is determined by the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid supplied to
it and its displacement. Higher flow rates result in higher speeds, while the motor's displacement affects
how much fluid is needed to achieve a given speed.
12. Define the displacement and torque ratings of a hydraulic motor.
Answer:
- Displacement rating: The volume of fluid displaced by the hydraulic motor per revolution, typically
expressed in cubic centimeters (cc) or cubic inches (ci). It indicates how much hydraulic fluid the motor
uses to produce motion.
- Torque rating: The maximum torque output the hydraulic motor can generate at a specific pressure,
usually expressed in Newton-meters (Nm) or pound-feet (lb-ft). It indicates the motor's capability to
perform work against resistance.
13. Explain how the vanes are held in contact with the cam ring in high-performance vane motors.
Answer: In high-performance vane motors, the vanes are held in contact with the cam ring through
centrifugal force as the motor rotates. Additionally, some designs use springs or hydraulic pressure to
ensure the vanes maintain contact with the cam ring, allowing for efficient operation and minimizing
leakage while maximizing torque output.
14. How is torque developed in an in-line-type piston motor?
Answer: In an in-line-type piston motor, torque is developed as hydraulic fluid enters the cylinder and
pushes the pistons, causing them to move. This linear movement of the pistons is converted into rotational
motion through a crankshaft or similar mechanism, generating torque proportional to the pressure and
area of the pistons.
15. If a hydraulic motor is pressure compensated, what is the effect of an increase in the working
load?
Answer: If a hydraulic motor is pressure compensated, an increase in the working load results in an
increase in pressure. The motor adjusts its displacement to maintain a constant flow rate and torque output
despite the higher load, ensuring consistent performance under varying conditions.
16. What type of hydraulic motor is generally most efficient?
Answer: The most efficient type of hydraulic motor is typically the gerotor motor. It offers high
efficiency due to its design, which minimizes internal leakage and allows for smooth operation across a
wide range of speeds and pressures.
Problems:
Problem 1:
−3 3
Q A =72 Lpm=1.2 ×10 m / s
6 2
P=12000 kPa=12 ×10 N /m
n=800 rpm ≈ 83.78rad /s
Since the motor is 100% efficient:
T A×N
η o= =1
P× Q A
P ×Q A
⇒ T A= ≈ 171.88(N . m)
N
Problem 2:
3 −4 3
V D=100 c m =10 m
5 2
P=140 bars =140× 10 N /m
3
QT =0.001 m /s
a)
QT
n= =10 ( rps )=600 (rpm)
VD
b)
V D×P
T T= ≈ 222.82( N . m)
2π
c)
2π
N T =T T ×n × ≈ 14000 (W )=14 (kW )
60
Problem 3:

P=1000 ps i
r =10∈¿
n=30 rpm
W =1000 lb
V D×P
T T=
2π
V D×P
⇔ W ×r=
2π
2 π × W ×r 3
⇒ V D= ≈ 62.83(in )
P
V D×n −4 3
QT = ≈ 8.16(gpm)≈ 5.15 ×10 (m / s)
231
V D ×n × P
N output =N T = ≈ 4.77 ( hp ) ≈3556.99 (W )
395000
Problem 4:
−3 3
Q A =72 Lpm=1.2 ×10 m / s
6 2
P=12000 kPa=12 ×10 N /m
n=800 rpm ≈ 83.78rad /s
a)
N input =Q A × P=14400(W )
N ouput =T A ×n
⇔ N input−3000=T A ×n
N input −3000
⇒ T A= ≈136.07 (N . m)
n
b)
 N output
η o= ≈ 79.17 %
N input

Problem 5:
3 −4 3
V D=130 c m =1.3 ×10 m
5 2
P=105 bars =105× 10 N /m
n=2000 rpm≈ 209.44 rad /s
3
Q A =0.005 m /s
T A=200 N . m
a)
QT V D ×n
η v= = ≈ 86.67 %
QA QA
b)
TA TA
ηm = = ≈ 92.06 %
TT VD×P
2π
c)
η o=η v × ηm ≈ 79.79 %
d)
N output =T A × n=41888(W )
Problem 6:

a)
5 3
QTpump=V D pump × n=10 (in /min)
3 3
Q Apump =ηv pump × QTpump=85 ×10 (i n /min)
3 3 3
Q Amotor =Q Apump=85× 10 (i n /min)≈ 1.39(m /min)
3
QTmotor =η v motor ×Q Amotor =79900(i n /min)
 QTmotor 3
V Dmotor= ≈ 133.17(i n )
n
b)
2 πn
T Amotor ×
N outputmotor 60
η o motor= =
N inputmotor Q Amotor × P
η omotor × Q Amotor × P
⇒ T Amotor= ≈ 3348.03 (N . m)
2 πn