1. What is Hydraulic Cylinder Pressure?

Definition: Hydraulic pressure is the force per unit area exerted by a fluid on the walls of its container or a piston in a hydraulic cylinder.

Purpose: This calculator helps engineers and technicians determine the pressure inside hydraulic systems based on the applied force and piston area.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses Pascal's principle formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Pressure (Pascals, Pa)
• \( F \) — Force (Newtons, N)
• \( A \) — Area (square meters, m²)

Explanation: The force applied to the piston is divided by the piston's cross-sectional area to determine the pressure in the hydraulic system.

3. Importance of Pressure Calculation

Details: Proper pressure calculation ensures hydraulic systems operate within safe limits, prevents component failure, and helps design efficient systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the force in Newtons and the piston area in square meters. For circular pistons, area = π × radius².

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical hydraulic system pressures?
A: Most industrial hydraulic systems operate between 1000-3000 psi (6.9-20.7 MPa), with some high-pressure systems reaching 5000 psi (34.5 MPa).

Q2: How do I convert between Pascals and psi?
A: 1 psi ≈ 6894.76 Pa. To convert psi to Pa, multiply by 6894.76. To convert Pa to psi, divide by 6894.76.

Q3: What if my piston diameter is given instead of area?
A: First calculate area using A = π × (diameter/2)², then use that value in the calculator.

Q4: Why is pressure important in hydraulic systems?
A: Pressure determines the force output of cylinders and the stress on system components, affecting performance and safety.

Q5: Can I use this for pneumatic systems too?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to pneumatic (air) systems, though operating pressures are typically much lower.