Section: STEM · EngineeringDifficulty: Medium
Hydraulics
USUK
The engineering science dealing with the mechanical properties and use of liquids.
Definition
Hydraulics is the branch of engineering and science concerned with the practical application of liquids in motion, particularly water and oil, to transmit force and energy. Pascal's Law states that pressure applied to a confined fluid is transmitted equally in all directions, enabling hydraulic systems to multiply forces. Applications include hydraulic lifts, brakes, heavy machinery, and dam design.
Example
“A car's hydraulic braking system transmits the force from a driver's foot on the brake pedal through brake fluid to pistons at each wheel, where it is multiplied to apply powerful clamping force on the brake rotors.”
Synonyms
- fluid power
- hydrostatics and hydrodynamics
- hydraulic engineering
Antonyms / Opposites
- pneumatics
Images
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Related Terms
- Fluid Dynamics
- Pascal's Law
- Pneumatics
- Pressure