1. What is a Hydraulic Cylinder Speed Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the speed of a hydraulic cylinder's piston based on the hydraulic flow rate and piston area.

Purpose: It helps hydraulic system designers and maintenance technicians predict and verify cylinder performance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( v \) — Cylinder speed (meters/second)
• \( Q \) — Flow rate (cubic meters/second)
• \( A \) — Piston area (square meters)

Explanation: The flow rate divided by the piston area gives the linear velocity of the piston.

3. Importance of Cylinder Speed Calculation

Details: Proper speed calculation ensures optimal system performance, prevents damage from excessive speeds, and helps in cycle time estimation.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the flow rate in m³/s and piston area in m². For circular pistons, area = π × (radius)². All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I convert from liters/minute to m³/s?
A: Multiply l/min by 0.0000166667 to get m³/s (1 l/min = 0.0000166667 m³/s).

Q2: What's a typical piston area?
A: For a 100mm diameter cylinder, area is about 0.007854 m² (π × 0.05²).

Q3: Does this account for system efficiency?
A: No, this is theoretical speed. Actual speed may be 3-10% slower due to friction and leakage.

Q4: How does rod area affect retraction speed?
A: Retraction speed is faster because effective area is smaller (piston area minus rod area).

Q5: What's a safe maximum cylinder speed?
A: Typically 0.3-0.5 m/s, but consult manufacturer specifications for your specific cylinder.