Understanding Hydraulic Lifts: Cross-Sectional Area and Piston Size Explained

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the concept of cross-sectional area in hydraulic lifts, specifically relating to pistons with areas of 5 cm2 and 650 cm2. It establishes that the cross-sectional area refers to the area of a circle, calculated using the formula A=πr2. The hydraulic lift operates using oil with a density of 720 kg/m3, which is essential for understanding the lift's mechanics. Participants confirmed that cross-sectional area does not refer to diameter but rather to the area viewed head-on.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic geometry, specifically the area of a circle
  • Familiarity with hydraulic systems and their components
  • Knowledge of fluid density and its implications in hydraulic mechanics
  • Basic physics principles related to pressure and force in hydraulic systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of Pascal's Law in hydraulic systems
  • Learn about the calculation of pressure in hydraulic lifts
  • Explore the relationship between piston size and lifting capacity
  • Investigate different types of hydraulic fluids and their properties
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, mechanics, and students studying fluid dynamics or hydraulic systems will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the design and functionality of hydraulic lifts.

mattmannmf
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what does cross sectional area mean?

A hydraulic lift has two connected pistons with cross-sectional areas 5 cm2 and 650 cm2. It is filled with oil of density 720 kg/m3.

Is it the diameter? I don't know
 
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mattmannmf said:
what does cross sectional area mean?

A hydraulic lift has two connected pistons with cross-sectional areas 5 cm2 and 650 cm2. It is filled with oil of density 720 kg/m3.

Is it the diameter? I don't know

The cross sectional area in this case is the same as the area of a circle

A=pi*r^2

Cross-sectional area means pretty much what it says, the area of a cross-section of the item. In this case a piston. So if you think about a section of a piston and look at it head on, its just a circle.
 
ok thanks
 

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