Fluid Power: Hydraulics and Pneumatics
MEC 130 Fluid Power: Hydraulics and Pneumatics is a foundational course for aspiring technicians, delivering essential knowledge and practical skills for working with fluid power systems. The curriculum encompasses the fundamental physics governing fluid behavior, detailed analysis of system components such as pumps, compressors, actuators, and control valves, and the construction of basic and advanced circuits. Through theoretical instruction and hands-on laboratory experiences, students will learn to interpret schematics, analyze system performance, and diagnose common malfunctions. Emphasis is placed on safety protocols, component selection, system maintenance, and efficient operation, preparing students for real-world applications in various industrial settings requiring reliable fluid power solutions.
InstructorJacob CalhounPrerequisites
Course outline
Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.
Syllabus
["Week 1: Lesson 1: Introduction to Fluid Power and Safety Fundamentals","Week 2: Lesson 2: Principles of Fluid Mechanics and System Characteristics","Week 3: Lesson 3: Hydraulic Pumps and Power Units","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: Basic Hydraulic System Setup and Pressure Measurement","Week 5: Lesson 5: Hydraulic Actuators: Cylinders and Motors","Week 6: Lesson 6: Hydraulic Control Valves: Directional, Pressure, and Flow","Week 7: Lesson 7: Hydraulic Circuit Design and Analysis","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: Constructing and Testing Hydraulic Circuits with Various Valves","Week 9: Lesson 9: Introduction to Pneumatic Systems and Air Compressors","Week 10: Lesson 10: Pneumatic Actuators and Control Valves","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: Basic Pneumatic System Setup and Sequence Control","Week 12: Lesson 12: Advanced Fluid Power Control and Proportional Systems","Week 13: Lesson 13: Fluid Power System Maintenance and Troubleshooting","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Diagnose and Repair a Simulated Fluid Power System"]