1. What is a Hydraulic Cylinder Velocity Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the velocity 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 maintenance technicians calculate how fast a hydraulic cylinder will extend or retract under given conditions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The flow rate of hydraulic fluid divided by the piston's cross-sectional area gives the linear velocity of the piston.

3. Importance of Hydraulic Cylinder Velocity Calculation

Details: Proper velocity calculation ensures hydraulic systems operate within design parameters, prevents component damage, and helps achieve desired cycle times.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: What's a typical piston velocity range?
A: Most hydraulic cylinders operate between 0.1-0.5 m/s, but high-speed applications may reach 1 m/s.

Q3: Does this account for fluid compressibility?
A: No, this is a basic calculation assuming incompressible fluid. For precise calculations, additional factors may need consideration.

Q4: How does rod-side velocity differ?
A: For retraction speed, use the annular area (piston area minus rod area) in the denominator.

Q5: What affects hydraulic cylinder velocity?
A: Flow rate, piston size, system pressure, fluid viscosity, and circuit design all influence velocity.