MECH 345 - Pneumatic & Hydraulic Tech

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 2
Laboratory Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): None

Restriction(s): BT Mechatronics major or permission of the instructor

Corequisite(s): None

This course introduces the student to pneumatic (transmission of power using pressurized air or gas) and hydraulic (transmission of power using pressurized liquid) technologies and their common applications in the industrial, commercial and residential sectors. The course presents the student with the fundamentals of electro- hydraulic/pneumatic pumps, compressors, regulators, valves, cylinders, and fluid power involving pressure. The student will gain an understanding of the symbols for hydraulic/ pneumatic system components (e.g. actuators, reservoirs, fluid conductors, and valves) and become familiar with the schematic diagrams used to construct electrically equipped hydraulic/pneumatic circuits. By assembling pneumatic and hydraulic circuits (virtually or physically) and combining them with electro-mechanical systems, students will learn the fundamental concepts of system integration and operation. Topics to be covered include components and applications of electro- mechanical pneumatic and hydraulic systems, controllers, safety measures for installation and maintenance and troubleshooting of real-world systems. Students will be required to complete a research project related to the application of pneumatic and hydraulic applications in an industrial and/or manufacturing setting. Topics may include applications or advanced technology that also incorporates aspects of electrical controls systems. This course is offered in the traditional classroom format and/or an online format.

Student Learning Outcomes of the Course:

Develop an awareness of the importance of fluid power systems in our current industrial society.
Develop an understanding of basic fluid mechanics principles and how they apply to fluid power equipment.
Develop skills in recognizing and applying fluid power symbols to fluid power equipment.
Develop an understanding of the design and operation of basic hydraulic and pneumatic applications.
Develop an understanding of the design and operation of basic circuits used in fluid power operations.