Hydraulic Systems and

Applications

Objectives
Basic hydraulics theory.
Method of determination of output given
input and configuration of given hydraulic
systems.
Basic operation, principle components, and
safety considerations related to hydraulic
systems.

Shipboard Hydraulic
Systems
Steering gear (rudder, stern planes, etc.)
Deck machinery: Anchor windless,
winches, capstans
Weapons systems: Gun mounts, launchers
Other applications: Hydraulic presses,
ramps, elevators, catapult retractor, blast
shields, valve operations, etc.

Properties of Liquids
Shapelessness
No natural shape
Conforms to the shape of the container

Incompressibility
Transmission of force
Force is equally distributed throughout the
liquid in all directions

PASCALS LAW
Pressure in a fluid acts equally
in all directions

PRESSURE =
FORCE/AREA

Find Pressure
Find F2

F2 =

200 lbf
A1 = 20 in2

F1 = 20 lbf
A1 = 2 in2

Pressure =
10 psi

Simple Hydraulic System

Reservoir - Storage Tank

Pressure source - Hydraulic pump (A-end)
Pressure user - (B-end)
Hydraulic motor - rotary motion
Hydraulic cylinder - linear motion

Piping systems
valves, filters, heat exchangers

Accumulator - stores pressurized oil

Hydraulic fluid (normally oil)

Advantages of Using Oil

As a Hydraulic Fluid.
Non-corrosive
Superb lubricant

Basic Hydraulics

Axial Piston, Variable

Stroke Pumps
Waterbury Pump
Electric Motor
Rotary Piston hydraulic pump/motor

Hydraulic pump ("A" end)

Hydraulic motor ("B" end)

Variable Stroke Pump

A End

A End

B End Piston
Piston

Cylinder

RAM

Seal
Hydraulic Fluid Supply/Return Ports

Advantages of
Hydraulic Systems
Convenient method of power transmission
over long distances
Great flexibility
Variable speed control
Safety and reliability

Disadvantages of
Hydraulic Systems

Need for positive confinement

Fire hazard if leaks occur
Leaks in high pressure systems pose a
safety hazard
Adequate oil filtration must be maintained

Steering Unit

Ram unit
Tiller- Converts linear motion to radial motion, aka
crosshead

Rudder post- penetrates the hull, supports the rudder

and is connected to the tiller.

Ram- operated by opposed cylinders these cylinders
work in unison to move the yoke/links/tillers/rudders,
simultaneous suction and discharge (waterbury pump)
Connecting links- transfers power from the ram and yoke to the
tiller

Hand Pump - upon failure of the waterbury hydraulic

pump the hand pump system can be engaged to set the
rudder.

Power unit
Electric motor- prime mover for the waterbury
hydraulic pump

Waterbury pump- Positive displacement pump,

variable stroke, consists of cylinder barrel, socket ring, and

tilting box. No tilt-no pumping, tilt-suction from one side
and discharge to the other
Transfer valves- fixed to the cylinder barrel to direct oil
suction and discharge
Remote steering unit- A portable steering input for the
steering gear when the Ships Control Console is
inoperative.
Trick Wheel- bypasses the electrical signal of the SCC,
control is in after steering.

Methods of Steering
Control
Normal control from ship's bridge
Utilizes remote electrical signal to control tilt-box position
of hydraulic pump

Alternate control from after steering

"Trick wheel manually operated to control tilt-box angle

Emergency control
Hand pump - Manually pressurizes hydraulic fluid to take
local control of rudder

Summary