Fluid Power (Part 1) Hydraulic Principles

Introduction
Fluid power is a term which was created to include the generation, control, and application of smooth, effective power of pumped or compressed fluids (either liquids or gases) when this power is used to provide force and motion to mechanisms. This force and motion maybe in the form of pushing, pulling, rotating, regulating, or driving. Fluid power includes hydraulics, which involves liquids, and pneumatics, which involves gases. Liquids and gases are similar in many respects. The differences are pointed out in the appropriate areas of this manual.
This manual presents many of the fundamental concepts in the fields of hydraulics and pneumatics. It is intended as a basic reference for all personnel of the Navy whose duties and responsibilities require them to have a knowledge of the fundamentals of fluid power. Consequently, emphasis is placed primarily on the theory of operation of typical fluid power systems and components that have applications in naval
equipment. Many applications of fluid power are presented in this manual to illustrate the functions and operation of different systems and components. However, these are only representative of the many applications of fluid power in naval equipment. Individual training manuals for each rate provide information concerning the application of fluid power to specific equipment for which the rating is responsible.