Fundamentals of Fluid Power from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1: Fundamentals of Fluid Power

This week: An overview of the course, introduction to hydraulics and pneumatics, and introduction to fundamental concepts of fluid power through the cylinder.

Week 2: Components and Concepts: Part 1

This week: circuit diagrams, the written language of fluid power, and how fluid flows through conduits. We hope that you find the hydraulic circuits on the mowing machine as interesting as we did.

Week 3: Components and Concepts: Part 2

This will be a busy week diving into valves and pumps. We will discuss how basic valves function, how to use them in hydraulic circuits, and how to calculate pressure drop for a given flow rate, or vice versa. The videos will directly address the discussion on the forum about seeing hydraulic components working in real world circuits. In our discussion of pumps we will look at many different positive displacement pumps, exploring flow ripple and pump efficiency, look at the supporting components that form a hydraulic power supply, and see how we can make a transmission with a hydraulic pump and a motor. We are now into the heart of this course; we hope you enjoy seeing the components come together into useful circuits.

Week 4: Predicting Performance Through Simulation

This week is entirely devoted to you learning how to use Simscape Fluids (formerly SimHydraulics), the fluid power simulation application that we use in the course. The lecture provides an introduction to computer-based, object-oriented simulation, and goes through a demo of using Simscape Fluids. The homework assignment contains the real work because this is where you will learn to use Simscape Fluids. The homework ends with an open-ended problem that encourages you to branch out on your own and create and run simulations based on examples listed in the course Simscape Fluids resource page or on any other fluid power system that interests you. We will be monitoring the discussion boards to help you with any technical problems with Simscape Fluids. *NOTE: The lecture videos were created using an earlier version of SimHydraulics; some small difference exist with the most recent version of Simscape Fluids, but the general approach is the same. *THERE IS NO QUIZ THIS WEEK as we recognize that a few of you may not be able to get Simscape Fluids running on your computer. Happy simulating!

Week 5: Fluid Properties

This week we will take a dive into hydraulic fluids (no pun intended) and how their properties and behavior influence the circuit operation. In the lectures, you will see the water hammer effect and explore the assumption of fluid incompressibility. We encourage you to use your new knowledge of fluid behavior and simulation to create virtual experiments that explore how fluid properties influence the behavior of a circuit. Share your observations on the discussion forum.

Week 6: Advanced Components and Systems and Course Summary

This week you will learn about two new components, the accumulator, which stores hydraulic energy, and the servo valve, which provides fast and precise flow control. We will then be pulling together topics from throughout the course to look at servo hydraulic systems and hydraulic hybrid vehicles. You will get a chance to use simulation to explore how these advanced systems function and how the behavior of individual components influences the system operation.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops analytical modeling skills for fluid power components, circuits, and systems, which are relevant to engineering and industry

Introduces key components of fluid power systems, including hydraulic components, valves, and pumps

Explores fluid power simulation using Simscape Fluids, providing learners with practical experience

Examines advanced components such as accumulators and servo valves, expanding learners' understanding of fluid power systems

Taught by James D. Van De Ven, PhD and Will Durfee, PhD, renowned experts in fluid power engineering

Supported by the National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power

Endorsed by the National Fluid Power Association, indicating industry recognition and relevance

This course requires prior knowledge of fluid mechanics and basic engineering principles

Reviews summary

Fundamentals of fluid power: practical and engaging

Learners say this largely positive course provides an engaging overview of fluid power. According to students, the lectures are well paced and cover the fundamentals thoroughly. They also appreciate the use of practical examples and real-world applications, as well as the opportunity to use simulation tools like MATLAB and Simulink. Some learners wish there was more information on topics like maintenance and troubleshooting, but overall, they highly recommend this course for anyone looking to build a strong foundation in fluid power systems.

Students appreciate the use of simulation tools like MATLAB and Simulink, which enhance their learning experience.

"The use of videos and the condensed textbook made this an excellent way to learn the fundamentals."

"It has greatly helped me in my new Job's project for upskilling."

"I also liked the final wrap-up on which a great number of additional resources were recommended."

The course content is presented in an engaging manner, with clear explanations and a good pace.

"Fantastic course."

"A great course overall, it gives hindsight on how fluid power is important in the engineering world."

"The sessions were very interesting that through this sessions, onecould increase there interest in fluid power."

Learners commend the course for providing a comprehensive and well-structured foundation in fluid power systems.

"This course is very helpful in the field of mechanical engineering."

"I thought this course was very well paced and covered the fundamentals of fluid power very well."

"This course did an excellent job explaining the material and used many real world examples to teach different principles."

The course emphasizes practical applications of fluid power, using real-world examples and simulations.

"The real world examples were nice."

"They explained various components very clearly & also showed interesting applications that we see in our real life."

Some learners suggest that the course could improve its coverage of topics such as maintenance and troubleshooting.

"There are no course mentors to help you when you have a question, and so if you get stuck on a homework or quiz problem you have to hope that another student can help you (improbable)"

"Also, there is not enough information provided to complete the simulation models."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Fluid Power with these activities:

Fluid Dynamics Review

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Reviewing this will build upon your knowledge.

Browse courses on Fluid Dynamics

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Review notes from previous courses on Fluid Dynamics.
Complete online practice problems on Fluid Dynamics.

Review fluid power systems basic components

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Refreshes the basic components of fluid power systems to ensure a strong foundation for the course.

Browse courses on Fluids

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Review the different types of hydraulic and pneumatic components, such as pumps, valves, cylinders, and accumulators
Understand the function and operation of each component
Identify the different types of fluid power systems and their applications

Fluid Power Study Group

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Participating in a study group will allow you to learn from and collaborate with your peers.

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Form a study group with classmates.
Meet regularly to discuss course material and work on problems together.

Eight other activities

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Collaborate with peers on fluid power system design challenges

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Facilitates collaboration and knowledge sharing among peers to enhance understanding of fluid power system design.

Browse courses on Teamwork

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Form a study group or connect with peers online
Identify a specific fluid power system design challenge to work on together
Share ideas, brainstorm solutions, and provide feedback to each other
Present the results of your collaboration to the group or in a forum discussion

Fluid Power Simulation Tutorials

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These tutorials will provide additional practice and insight into fluid power simulation.

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Follow the tutorials provided in the course on Simscape Fluids.
Find additional tutorials on fluid power simulation online.

Explore fluid power simulations using Simscape Fluids

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Provides hands-on experience in using fluid power simulation software to analyze and design fluid power systems.

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Follow online tutorials or documentation to learn the basics of Simscape Fluids
Create a simple fluid power circuit simulation model in Simscape Fluids
Simulate the model and analyze the results to understand the behavior of the circuit
Explore advanced features of Simscape Fluids, such as parameter optimization and sensitivity analysis

Fluid Power Circuit Analysis Practice

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Practice will reinforce your understanding of fluid power circuit analysis.

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Solve practice problems on fluid power circuit analysis.
Complete online quizzes on fluid power circuit analysis.

Volunteer at a Fluid Power Lab

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Volunteering will provide you with hands-on experience in a fluid power lab and allow you to network with professionals in the field.

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Contact a fluid power lab and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend volunteer orientation and training.
Assist with research projects or other tasks as assigned.

Design and simulate a fluid power system for a specific application

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Applies the principles and knowledge gained in the course to design and simulate a practical fluid power system.

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Identify a specific application for a fluid power system, such as a hydraulic press or a pneumatic actuator
Design the fluid power system, including the selection of components, sizing, and configuration
Create a simulation model of the system in Simscape Fluids
Simulate the model to evaluate the performance and identify any potential issues
Document the design and simulation results in a technical report

Fluid Power Presentation

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Creating a presentation will help you synthesize your knowledge of fluid power and improve your communication skills.

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Choose a topic related to fluid power.
Research your topic and gather information.
Create a presentation that is clear, concise, and engaging.
Present your findings to your classmates.

Fluid Power System Design Project

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This project will allow you to apply your knowledge of fluid power to a real-world problem.

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Identify a problem that can be solved using fluid power.
Design a fluid power system to solve the problem.
Build and test your system.
Evaluate the performance of your system.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Fluid Power will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Fluid Power Engineer

A Fluid Power Engineer designs, builds, and maintains fluid power systems. Understanding the benefits and limitations of fluid power, as well as how to analyze, design, and simulate fluid power circuits, would be essential for this role. This course is suitable for those interested in careers in fluid power engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fluid Power Engineer

Professor

A Professor teaches and conducts research at a university. Understanding the fundamental principles and analytical modeling of fluid power components, circuits, and systems would be essential for this role. Additionally, knowledge of Simscape Fluids and the ability to use it for simulation would be an advantage. This course is suitable for those interested in careers in academia.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor

Hydraulic Technician

A Hydraulic Technician specializes in the maintenance, repair, and installation of hydraulic systems. Knowledge of hydraulic components, their symbols, and analytical modeling would provide a strong foundation for this role. This course is suitable for those interested in careers in hydraulic system maintenance and repair.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hydraulic Technician

Systems Engineer

A Systems Engineer designs, builds, and maintains systems. Understanding the fundamental principles and analytical modeling of fluid power components, circuits, and systems would be important for this role. This course is suitable for those interested in careers in systems engineering.

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Mechanical Engineer

A Mechanical Engineer designs, builds, and maintains mechanical systems. Understanding the fundamental principles and analytical modeling of fluid power components, circuits, and systems would be important for this role. This course is suitable for those interested in careers in mechanical engineering.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates and maintains technical documentation. Knowledge of fluid power, including its components, concepts, and performance, would be important for this role. This course is suitable for those interested in careers in technical writing.

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Manufacturing Engineer

A Manufacturing Engineer designs, builds, and maintains manufacturing systems. Knowledge of fluid power, including its benefits and limitations, would be important for this role. This course is suitable for those interested in careers in manufacturing engineering.

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Design Engineer

A Design Engineer designs, builds, and maintains products. Knowledge of fluid power, including its components, concepts, and performance, would be important for this role. This course is suitable for those interested in careers in product design engineering.

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Quality Assurance Engineer

A Quality Assurance Engineer ensures that products and services meet quality standards. Knowledge of fluid power, including its components, concepts, and performance, would be important for this role. This course is suitable for those interested in careers in quality assurance engineering.

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Maintenance Manager

A Maintenance Manager supervises and manages maintenance operations. Knowledge of fluid power, including its components, concepts, and performance, would be important for this role. This course is suitable for those interested in careers in maintenance management.

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Manufacturing Supervisor

A Manufacturing Supervisor supervises and manages manufacturing operations. Knowledge of fluid power, including its benefits and limitations, would be important for this role. This course is suitable for those interested in careers in manufacturing supervision.

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Consultant

A Consultant provides advice and support to organizations. Knowledge of fluid power, including its benefits and limitations, would be important for this role. This course is suitable for those interested in careers in consulting.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, executes, and closes projects. Knowledge of fluid power, including its benefits and limitations, would be important for this role. This course is suitable for those interested in careers in project management.

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Sales Engineer

A Sales Engineer sells and supports products and services. Knowledge of fluid power, including its benefits and limitations, would be important for this role. This course is suitable for those interested in careers in sales engineering.

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Product Manager

A Product Manager plans, develops, and launches products. Knowledge of fluid power, including its benefits and limitations, would be important for this role. This course is suitable for those interested in careers in product management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager