hydraulics webquest
Hydraulic power is favored for some applications; pneumatic
power is favored for others. Find out more about them during this
investigation
power is favored for others. Find out more about them during this
investigation
your task
Your job is to investigate applications for fluid power systems. To demonstrate what you have learned, you will answer the questions included here in your exercise book. You will also complete one of the activities described at the end of this investigation.
process
Read through the following questions. Then research the Internet resources that are provided below. As you explore the sites, look for answers to the questions. Keep a record of any sites where you find answers by noting the title and URL (Internet address). For example:
(title) Technology Student Association
(URL) www.tsaweb.org
Internet Resources
Visit the Web sites listed here to find information that will enable you to answer the
questions. You may use additional sites if you wish. Be sure to keep a record of any sites you use.
(title) Technology Student Association
(URL) www.tsaweb.org
- During what decade was hydraulic power first used for farming?
- How many tons can a 40-ton hydraulic crane lift?
- Why does an air bubble in a hydraulic system reduce the system’s efficiency?
- What are the names of the hydraulic tools used in the Jaws of Life?
- How many hydraulic cylinders are used to move the Animatronic Spinosaurus?
- Which type of power is used to lift cars at auto service centers, hydraulic or pneumatic?
- In what part of a pneumatic nailer is air from the compressor stored.
- To what part of the user’s body do most pneumatic-nailer injuries occur?
Internet Resources
Visit the Web sites listed here to find information that will enable you to answer the
questions. You may use additional sites if you wish. Be sure to keep a record of any sites you use.
- HowStuffWorks: How Hydraulic Cranes Work
explains how cranes used for construction operate. - HowStuffWorks: How the Jaws of Life Work
explores how the set of hydraulic tools called the Jaws of Life are used in rescue operations. - HowStuffWorks: How Hydraulic Machines Work
explains the operation of heavy construction equipment, such as cranes and backhoes. This site also includes video clips.
- HowStuffWorks: How Animatronics Work
explains the operation of animated dinosaurs and other large creatures used for entertainment. - Wessels Living History Farm: Farming in the 1940’s—Hydraulics tells how hydraulic power revolutionized farming.
- HowStuffWorks: How Nail Guns Work explores how automatic nailers are powered, including those with pneumatic systems. The site also includes safety tips.
- eLCOSH: Pneumatic Nailer Injuries—A Report on Washington State 1990-1998 provides statistics on common
injuries. - About.com: General Elevator and Escalator Information talks about the history of these devices.
activities
Several activities are described below. Complete one of these activities (your choice) to demonstrate the understandings you’ve gained by going on this investigation.
- Read the following online article then write a short report about it.
- Include in your report the reason why the students used distilled water in their system. “Water-hydraulic vehicle built by Purdue students” is an article about an experimental vehicle built by a technology class. http://news.uns.purdue.edu/UNS/html4ever/010919.Krutz.mower.html
- People with disabilities may have trouble getting up from a chair. Design a fluid-powered chair that will help them stand up. Make a finished drawing or model of your invention and label the parts. Include a paragraph explaining how it works.
- Research pneumatic nailers to find out how they should be maintained. Is any special care required? Report your findings to the class.
