1. What is Hydraulic Cylinder Speed?

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

Purpose: It helps hydraulic system designers and engineers calculate how fast a cylinder will extend or retract under given flow conditions.

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 speed 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 timing operations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the flow rate in m³/s and piston area in m². All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I find the piston area?
A: For a circular piston, use \( A = \pi r² \) where r is the piston radius.

Q2: What's a typical flow rate for hydraulic systems?
A: Common flow rates range from 0.0001 to 0.01 m³/s (6 to 600 liters/minute), depending on system size.

Q3: What if I need speed in mm/s instead?
A: Multiply the result by 1000 (1 m/s = 1000 mm/s).

Q4: Does this work for both extension and retraction?
A: For retraction speed, use the annular area (piston area minus rod area) in the denominator.

Q5: How does cylinder speed affect system design?
A: Higher speeds may require larger valves, different seals, and can affect system pressure requirements.