Sixteen members of the U.S. Army recently attended Milwaukee School of Engineering’s “Introduction to Hydraulics” course. Dr. Medhat Khalil, MSOE’s director of professional education and research development, travelled to the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) in Warren, Mich., where he taught the course.

Dr. Khalil’s training at TARDEC follows similar training he offered in July 2011 at the National Maritime Intelligence Center (NMIC). Dr. Khalil offered the class at TARDEC because the attendees wanted to learn more about hydraulics, control systems, and the relationship between hydraulic systems for use in Army systems for improved reliability and operation. Introduction to Hydraulics is a 32-hour seminar designed to acquaint individuals with the fluid power field and provide a practical working knowledge of this important and growing industry.

As a result of completing this course, TARDEC employees are able to identify the distinguishing features of hydraulic systems; apply industry standards to hydraulic and schematic symbols; analyze hydraulic circuits from a schematic drawing using animated schematics modeled by Automation Studio; explain the operation and applications of valves, cylinders, pumps and motors using animation and video clips; identify the chemical and physical properties of fluids as they relate to hydraulic system operation; utilize continuity and energy balance equations; and understand the basic configuration and operation of hydrostatic transmissions.

In commenting on the skills or techniques learned in the course, attendees noted they “gained an understanding of hydraulic symbols, how hydraulic components work and the different types of components available.” Another said they learned “hydraulic systems and device operation, and the equations to perform calculations for sizing of devices.”

MSOE is a member of the Engineering Research Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power (CCEFP), which provided financial support for the development of the original Transportable Fluid Power Trainer used in “Introduction to Hydraulics” courses. Since its creation, Dr. Khalil has made significant upgrades to the trainer and the newest version features built- in pressure gauges, proximity switches, a hydraulic motor and rpm sensor, a better industrial computer and numerous mechanical modifications that make it more functional and reliable.

“Introduction to Hydraulics” is just one of many professional education seminars offered through MSOE’s Fluid Power Institute (FPI) which are endorsed by the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) through sponsorship and educational partnership. The FPI is one of the leading academic fluid power research laboratories in the U.S., and it conducts research and testing for some of the largest hydraulic companies, as well as system evaluations for the U.S. military. By offering this course at TARDEC, the FPI further expands its relationship with the U.S. military.

Milwaukee School of Engineering

Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power