What is is about the new year that causes us to try to measure things? Must be human nature, or we’re just subconsciously influenced by all the pop culture TV programming that divides things into lists and countdowns and anniversaries.
Regardless of the reason, we thought it would be fun to see what were the most read hydraulics stories from last year on this site. If you missed any of these stories, maybe you’d better check them out now!
6. Accumulator fundamentals … without the math
There are few hydraulic systems so perfect that an accumulator would not improve it, with perhaps the exception of extremes in high-demand, cost or lightness. Here, Josh Cosford discusses how these important components work, without dragging things down with a bunch of mathematical formulae.
5. To Infinity and power beyond
Most mobile directional valves come with a configuration—usually via a plug or sleeve—called “power beyond.” Power beyond can be a difficult concept for those not familiar with fluid power, or for some whom come from an industrial hydraulic background. Here’s a look at this technology and its advantages.
4. Are hydraulic hybrid vehicles the future of driving?
Hybrid technology is a growing field—it involves the use of one other source of power to move the vehicle, besides the internal combustion engine. The most commonly used source of power in present hybrids is electricity. Guest blogger Tom McShane talks about how electric hybrids have not been without their share of woes and muses on hydraulics’ future here.
3. The Metric vs Inch debate: Retaining rings weigh in
Joe Cappello relays the interesting story of how the sometimes-verlooked retaining ring played a role in the ongoing debate between Metric and Imperial measurement systems.
2. Cedar Point’s Top Thrill Dragster relies on the power density of hydraulics
In our final installment of our Summer Tech Vacation series, Editorial Director Paul Heney spoke with Monty Jasper of Cedar Fair about the engineering behind the Top Thrill Dragster roller coaster. This ride is a favorite with visitors, as it sends riders from 0 to 120 mph in less than 4 sec, slinging them up and over a 420 ft hill in the blink of an eye.
1. Seven ways to avoid cavitation
Josh Cosford highlights ways to avoid cavitation, that bane of hydraulic systems. Cavitation is difficult to detect on mobile equipment because of the noise of the engine or the machine itself, but if it ever sounds like someone threw a bag of marbles into your pump, it’s probably a result of cavitation. Make sure to check out his 7 tips here..