What is the principle of operation for a hydraulic system?

The principle of operation for a hydraulic system is based on the use of incompressible fluids to transmit force. This mechanism relies on the basic hydraulic principle that when a force is applied to a confined fluid, the pressure is transmitted equally in all directions.

In a hydraulic system, when a force is exerted on the fluid, it causes a change in pressure that engages various components like pistons or cylinders. Since liquids are generally incompressible, this allows for effective force transfer, making hydraulic systems efficient for lifting heavy loads or applying substantial force with relatively small input effort.

This characteristic of incompressible fluid is fundamental for applications such as hydraulic brakes and excavators, where precision and strength are essential. This is what distinguishes hydraulic systems from other systems that may utilize gases or solid materials for force transmission.