Question about hydraulics and mechanics

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the limitations of hydraulic systems in mechanical engineering, particularly in cranes and robotic limbs. Participants explore the potential for future advancements that could enable these machines to operate at higher speeds without compromising safety. Key challenges include managing the momentum and stopping forces associated with rapid movement, as highlighted by the example of hydraulic excavators. The conversation references a specific high-speed hydraulic machine capable of vibrating 900lbs at 50Hz, illustrating current capabilities and design trade-offs.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of hydraulic systems and their mechanics
  • Familiarity with mechanical engineering principles
  • Knowledge of momentum and force dynamics
  • Experience with high-speed machinery design
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advancements in hydraulic technology for high-speed applications
  • Explore the mechanics of momentum absorption in heavy machinery
  • Study the design principles of robotic limbs and their control systems
  • Investigate case studies of high-speed hydraulic machines and their applications
USEFUL FOR

Mechanical engineers, robotics developers, and anyone interested in the future of hydraulic systems and their applications in high-speed machinery.

Pentrazemine
Messages
2
Reaction score
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?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
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.
 

Similar threads

Current and Future AI Threats to Humanity and the Human Response
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K
April Fool's Physics Papers 2026
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
440
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 246)
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Why is the U-2 nicknamed the Dragon Lady?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
9K