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Basic Hydraulic Principles > Simple Hydraulic System
A simple hydraulic system, such that is found within a hydraulic jack, consists of two different sized cylinders connected by a pipe.
According to Pascal's Law, pressure exerted on the smaller piston is transmitted through the fluid to act on internal surface of the larger piston. Pressure is a property of the system (not the pistons) and is therefore experienced equally by each piston. Because each piston has a different surface area, the force exerted on each piston will be different, even though the pressure is the same.
If the larger piston is twice the area of the smaller piston then the force on the larger piston will be twice as great. In order to create that extra force, the smaller piston has to be moved by twice the distance.
Joseph Barmah applied his understanding of this principle when he patented the Bramah Press in 1795.
For the demonstration of how a simple hydraulic system works, Sphaera's interactive instructor-led CBT is simple yet effective.
Buttons on screen provide the instructor with full control over the amount of force applied whilst pressure and force are clearly indicated, numerically and through the use of colour.
Note that systems of different piston ratios are available within the instructor pack.
The CBT for Pascal's Law is part of our CBT instructor pack for Basic Hydraulic Principles, which can be purchased now for delivery within 48 hours! Simply contact us!.