Question about hydraulics and mechanics

In summary, the conversation discusses the limitations of current cranes and prototype robotic limbs in terms of speed and power. The question is raised whether these limitations can be overcome in the future, allowing for high-speed and powerful machinery, similar to Mobile Suit Gundam robots. However, it is noted that there are physical limitations and trade-offs in design and function to consider. A link is also provided to a study on scaling in size, which can be applicable to machinery, and an example of a high-speed hydraulic machine is shared.
  • #1
Pentrazemine
2
0
I was just wondering if any Mechanical Engineers could answer me this. You know how cranes and prototype robotic limbs move but at a really slow pace? And when a crane closes its arm, it doesn't do it quickly but really slowly. In the future, will we be able to overcome that limitation and allow contraptions to move at a high speed?

Think of you clenching your first or swinging your arm really rapidly, will we be able to build cranes or artificial limbs to do the same thing? Will hydraulics ever become powerful enough to withstand the heaviness of an object? Or is this just something that can't be advanced? Like a physical limitation problem? Will Mobile Suit Gundam robots be possible someday or not?
 
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  • #3
It's not just the problem of moving it quickly, it's stopping it quickly also. A hydraulic excavator for example simply stops the hydraulic flow, and the momentum of the arm and load is absorbed into the equipment. Move it faster and there is more load to absorb...with extreme results sometimes. It's a trade-off of design and function.

Here is an example of a high-speed hydraulic machine...
It will vibrate 900lbs 5" at 50hz on a 650lb table.

https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.instron.com/wa/library/StreamFile.aspx%3Fdoc%3D397&sa=U&ei=knFjU9j3DIe0yAT7voG4Bg&ved=0CEcQFjAH&usg=AFQjCNGCPvOlZAUB38TcbSANuxT0_SC-fg

The first machine in the PDF is the actual machine in the lab I work at, literally 30 feet away.
 

Related to Question about hydraulics and mechanics

1. What is the difference between hydraulics and mechanics?

Hydraulics is a branch of physics that deals with the mechanical properties of liquids, while mechanics is a branch of physics that deals with the behavior of physical bodies when subjected to forces or displacements. In other words, hydraulics focuses on the movement and control of fluids, while mechanics focuses on the movement and control of solid objects.

2. How are hydraulics and mechanics used in everyday life?

Hydraulics and mechanics are used in various everyday applications, such as car brakes, elevators, cranes, and hydraulic presses. They are also used in industries such as construction, agriculture, and aviation to power machinery and equipment.

3. What are some common principles of hydraulics and mechanics?

The principle of Pascal's law, which states that pressure exerted on a fluid is transmitted equally in all directions, is a fundamental principle of hydraulics. In mechanics, the principles of force, mass, and acceleration (Newton's laws of motion) are commonly used to analyze the behavior of objects.

4. What are the benefits of using hydraulics in machinery?

Hydraulics offer many advantages in machinery, including high power density, precise control, and the ability to transmit power over long distances without significant loss. They are also relatively low maintenance and can withstand heavy loads and harsh environments.

5. How do hydraulics and mechanics relate to each other?

Hydraulics and mechanics are closely related as they both deal with the principles of force and motion. In fact, many mechanical systems use hydraulics to transfer and control the application of forces. Understanding the principles of both hydraulics and mechanics is necessary for designing and operating efficient and effective machinery.

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