FORM 2-PHYSICS-TOPIC 5-SIMPLE MACHINES
The Structure of Hydraulic Press
Describe the structure of Hydraulic Press
Structure of Hydraulic Press
A hydraulic press is a machine that has a bed or a plate in which the metallic material is placed so that it can be crushed, straightened or moulded.
Mechanical Advantage, Velocity Ratio and Efficiency of a Hydraulic Press
Determine mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency of a Hydraulic Press
In hydraulic press small force (Effort) applied on the small piston is used to overcome a much greater force (load) on the large piston.
When a small effort (E) is applied downwards on the effort piston of radius (r) the load piston of radius (R) lifts the load (L).
Consider the diagram below:
Hydraulic Press
By the principle of transmission of pressure in liquid, the pressure on effort piston is equal to the load piston.
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VELOCITY RATIO OF HYDRAULIC PRESS
If friction is neglected the work done by the effort E is equal to the work done on the load (L). So if the effort piston is moved by distance x and the load piston raised up by a corresponding distance Y, it follows:
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Note: Due to friction, efficiency of the hydraulic press is not 100%
The Hydraulic Press in Daily Life
Use the Hydraulic Press in daily life
Uses of a Hydraulic Press
A hydraulic press is used for almost all industrial purposes. But basically it is used for transforming metallic objects into sheets of metal. In other industries, it is used for the thinning of glass, making powders in case of the cosmetic industry and for forming the tablets for medical use. The other common uses of the hydraulic presses are as follows:
For crushing cars
A hydraulic press is the heart of any car crushing system. In this process, a hydraulic motor applies a large pressure on the fluids into the cylinders. The fluid pressure makes the plates rise and with a large force, the plate is driven on the car thereby crushing it.
Fat-free cocoa powder
While processing the cocoa beans, a liquid known as chocolate liquor is derived. For making fat-free cocoa powder, this liquid is squeezed out in a hydraulic press. After this stage, this liquid is processed further to make a powder. The powder thus derived is cocoa powder, which is fat-free.
For sword making
In the process of making swords, a hydraulic press is used to give a flat shape to the raw steel.
